Here’s an interesting quote to use with some of your older gifted students:

“I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on the frivolous youth of today, for certainly all youth are reckless beyond words. When I was a boy, we were taught to be discrete and respectful of elders, but the present youth are exceedingly wise and impatient of restraint.”

After a discussion about whether or not this quote is true, reveal that it was written over 3000 years ago by the Greek poet Hesiod.

What To Do With It?

Ask your students to interact with this quote using the tools of depth and complexity:

• Consider the pattern of generations judging other generations.
• Analyze what about humanity has changed over time and what has stayed the same.
• Look for counter examples: people from older generations who approve of younger generations.
• Think about the ethics of different generations: what is better about an older generation, what is better about a younger generation?

Can you apply this quote to your universal theme?

• Conflict exists between generations.
• There is power in age.
• Generational conflict is a cycle.

A quote like this is a great way to start your day. Groups could create presentations one morning and then present the next day. Perhaps tie it in with an inter-generalization research project?

Any other ideas on how to incorporate a thought-provoking quote into a meaningful assigment for gifted learners?

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