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Stories of Elders: What the Greatest Generation Knows about Technology that You Don't
14th Annual National Indie Excellence® Awards Winner 2020 International Book Awards Finalist America’s Greatest Generation (born before 1945) witnessed incredible changes in technology and social progress. From simple improvements in entertainment to life-changing medical advances, technology changed the way they live, work, and identify. Sadly, with each passing year, fewer members of the Greatest Generation remain alive to share their wisdom as the last Americans to grow up before the digital revolution. In 2015, Millennial author and cultural anthropologist Veronica Kirin drove 12,000 miles across more than 40 states to interview the last living members of the Greatest Generation. Stories of Elders is the result of her years of work to capture and share their perspective for generations to come. Stories of Elders preserves the wisdom, thoughts, humor, knowledge, and advice of the people who make up one of America’s finest generations, including the Silent Generation. Their stories include the devastation that came from major events in U.S. history like World War I, the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, and World War II. The Greatest Generation (many of whom are now centenarians) saw the routine use of airplanes, cars, microwave ovens, telephones, radios, electricity, and the Internet come to fruition in their lifetimes. Their childhoods were simple, relying on outdoors games and their imagination for fun. How they went to school, pursued their careers, and raised their kids was radically different than the way we live today. By chronicling more than 8,000 years of life lived during the most transitional time in American history, Stories of Elders offers old-fashioned wisdom and insight for America’s future generations. Chapter 1. Communication 2. War 3. Politics 4. Rights 5. Transportation 6. Energy & Amenities 7. Work 8. Medicine 9. Relationships 10. Food 11. Money 12. Poverty 13. Safety 14. Community 15. Generational Proximity 16. Family 17. Child Development 18. Religion & Integrity
- GenresNonfictionHistory
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2018
59 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Kirin
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Veronica Zora Kirin is a queer Croatian/American writer living in Berlin. She is the author of “Stories of Elders: What the Greatest Generation Knows about Technology that You Don’t,” which documents the high-tech revolution as lived by the Greatest Generation. It received the National Indie Excellence Award and was a finalist for the International Book Award. The eponymous documentary was a finalist at the Lift-Off Film Festival. Kirin is cofounder of Anodyne Magazine, an arts and literature journal that publishes creative work on the topic of FLINTA* health. Her short stories, poetry, and essays have been published in Adelaide, New Feather, Unburied Anthology, Scare Street, Down in the Dirt, and elsewhere. She is currently working on her debut memoir about running a business with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Veronica Zora Kirin is a queer Croatian/American writer living in Berlin. She is the author of “Stories of Elders: What the Greatest Generation Knows about Technology that You Don’t,” which documents the high-tech revolution as lived by the Greatest Generation. It received the National Indie Excellence Award and was a finalist for the International Book Award. The eponymous documentary was a finalist at the Lift-Off Film Festival. Kirin is cofounder of Anodyne Magazine, an arts and literature journal that publishes creative work on the topic of FLINTA* health. Her short stories, poetry, and essays have been published in Adelaide, New Feather, Unburied Anthology, Scare Street, Down in the Dirt, and elsewhere. She is currently working on her debut memoir about running a business with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 5, 2018
A historically significant look at American history, technology, and culture.
In our digital world, it's not often that we consider the wisdom of the people who grew up in the decades before the things we now think of as essential to our lives. Seeing how Veronica Kirin was able to piece together and analyze the testimonies and advice of America’s oldest living elders was a fascinating read. I feel like I understand now why we call them the “greatest generation”.
Despite the subtitle’s emphasis on technology, the subjects covered in these interviews and memoirs reach far beyond the introduction of electricity, automobiles, and the internet into society. These are stories of how American society and culture have changed in ways that Millennials like myself cannot really appreciate through the facts provided by U.S. history books.
By reading the true stories of members of the greatest generation who grew during the dust bowl or both of the world wars, I get a sense of really having been there for it all. Can you really imagine what it was like to live during the great depression? I’ve lived around the world, from very developed to very undeveloped places, and it’s still hard for me to really picture what life was like back in that portion of American history before the advent of easy transportation and the ability to research or purchase whatever we need as soon as we need it.
I think that in time Stories of Elders will prove to be a quite historically important book that has captured a collection of unique voices at the last moment of history where it was still possible to do so. We are quickly running out of our nation’s centennials and centenarians. I am glad for my own sake and the sake of my children and all future generations that no matter what changes the future of technology and social issues bring us, we will still have this little window of life at a simpler time.
Frankly, Veronica Kirin’s book has even inspired me to take a greater interest in cultural anthropology as whole. There’s a lot of history and cultural left out there for us to discover and document.
In our digital world, it's not often that we consider the wisdom of the people who grew up in the decades before the things we now think of as essential to our lives. Seeing how Veronica Kirin was able to piece together and analyze the testimonies and advice of America’s oldest living elders was a fascinating read. I feel like I understand now why we call them the “greatest generation”.
Despite the subtitle’s emphasis on technology, the subjects covered in these interviews and memoirs reach far beyond the introduction of electricity, automobiles, and the internet into society. These are stories of how American society and culture have changed in ways that Millennials like myself cannot really appreciate through the facts provided by U.S. history books.
By reading the true stories of members of the greatest generation who grew during the dust bowl or both of the world wars, I get a sense of really having been there for it all. Can you really imagine what it was like to live during the great depression? I’ve lived around the world, from very developed to very undeveloped places, and it’s still hard for me to really picture what life was like back in that portion of American history before the advent of easy transportation and the ability to research or purchase whatever we need as soon as we need it.
I think that in time Stories of Elders will prove to be a quite historically important book that has captured a collection of unique voices at the last moment of history where it was still possible to do so. We are quickly running out of our nation’s centennials and centenarians. I am glad for my own sake and the sake of my children and all future generations that no matter what changes the future of technology and social issues bring us, we will still have this little window of life at a simpler time.
Frankly, Veronica Kirin’s book has even inspired me to take a greater interest in cultural anthropology as whole. There’s a lot of history and cultural left out there for us to discover and document.
September 15, 2018
Veronica Kirin describes herself as a cultural anthropologist. In this book, she reports on her studies of the affects of technology between younger and older people. It is a gripping read about contrasts. What grabbed my attention was the idea of “the greatest generation”. I've heard of this before: that generation of Americans who came of age between the Great Depression and WW2. It is not just an intriguing study, it is an important one. Do our seniors have wisdom that is valuable to our youth, or is it passe? Kirin aptly demonstrates that they do indeed have a great deal to teach us.
I'm a baby boomer so a lot of this makes sense. My children and grandchildren might well think that what our elders went through is the stuff of myth. That's how quickly our paradigm has changed over one century. So Kirin hit the road to discover what the greatest generation could tell us. The results of her survey are just short of astonishing, in the light of 21st century 'wisdom'. While she credits many youths for their nearly miraculous adaptation to high technology (2-year-old kids handling a smart phone or tablet!), she also points out that many elders can give us insights about the negative affects of modern communication. This of course is an anecdotal documentary about the way our communication as a species has drastically changed over about four generations.
Kirin lets us know that “They are the greatest generation because of their incredible work ethic which was developed by surviving two world wars and the extreme struggle of the Great Depression.” You must keep in mind that the current generation or two do not know very much of this era. That is a big loss, because while society has never evolved so much as during the lifetimes of these elders, our youth and even our 30-somethings are rapidly losing the moral basis for it all. They are, as some of the elders strive to point out, “dumbed down”. Colleges are screening devices for political correctness, so education does not guarantee wisdom.
The bottom line, says Kirin, is how our relationships have been affected. Using the stigma placed on mental illness, for example, have we also stigmatized our elders? As a baby boomer soon to become Elder, I recognize the ways of this generation as being more sensible than the ways of the Me-generation or the millennials. I recall drinking raw milk, playing outdoors unsupervised, Dixie cup ice cream, basement (cellar) storage, home preserves, three generations in one house, one-room country schools, and 'don't spend more than you have' philosophy. It appears to me that time was better than Now.
Social media has definitely taken away the warm aspect of face-to-face relationships. It has also taken away respect for elders and the value of working for what you get. Kids have poor manners or no manners at all. Although Veronica Kirin is younger than I am, she still has her Old World connection to these things, and that has enriched her experiences here. Her summary about “any youth growing up in what may be a unique set of circumstances (ie now) if they are not told there is any other way...” certainly makes the point. “We lost some sense of community,” says one elder, “by our technology.” The encouragement is, “go back to old-fashioned ways of... traditional things.” If you think this is a fallacy, look around your neighborhood and see if the following observation isn't true: “If a house has a porch, it's for looks. No one goes outside and sits on the porch. No one knows who their neighbors are...”.
Our current generation has lost the ability to do basic math or read an analog clock or think critically. As Kirin explains, “Being able to use does not always equal being able to value, but lack of use absolutely devalues a thing” Is that the plight of our Elders? This time capsule of wisdom, she says, shows both changes for good and for bad. This is a provocative read, which I highly recommend to all generations, especially those 'less than greatest” ones.
I'm a baby boomer so a lot of this makes sense. My children and grandchildren might well think that what our elders went through is the stuff of myth. That's how quickly our paradigm has changed over one century. So Kirin hit the road to discover what the greatest generation could tell us. The results of her survey are just short of astonishing, in the light of 21st century 'wisdom'. While she credits many youths for their nearly miraculous adaptation to high technology (2-year-old kids handling a smart phone or tablet!), she also points out that many elders can give us insights about the negative affects of modern communication. This of course is an anecdotal documentary about the way our communication as a species has drastically changed over about four generations.
Kirin lets us know that “They are the greatest generation because of their incredible work ethic which was developed by surviving two world wars and the extreme struggle of the Great Depression.” You must keep in mind that the current generation or two do not know very much of this era. That is a big loss, because while society has never evolved so much as during the lifetimes of these elders, our youth and even our 30-somethings are rapidly losing the moral basis for it all. They are, as some of the elders strive to point out, “dumbed down”. Colleges are screening devices for political correctness, so education does not guarantee wisdom.
The bottom line, says Kirin, is how our relationships have been affected. Using the stigma placed on mental illness, for example, have we also stigmatized our elders? As a baby boomer soon to become Elder, I recognize the ways of this generation as being more sensible than the ways of the Me-generation or the millennials. I recall drinking raw milk, playing outdoors unsupervised, Dixie cup ice cream, basement (cellar) storage, home preserves, three generations in one house, one-room country schools, and 'don't spend more than you have' philosophy. It appears to me that time was better than Now.
Social media has definitely taken away the warm aspect of face-to-face relationships. It has also taken away respect for elders and the value of working for what you get. Kids have poor manners or no manners at all. Although Veronica Kirin is younger than I am, she still has her Old World connection to these things, and that has enriched her experiences here. Her summary about “any youth growing up in what may be a unique set of circumstances (ie now) if they are not told there is any other way...” certainly makes the point. “We lost some sense of community,” says one elder, “by our technology.” The encouragement is, “go back to old-fashioned ways of... traditional things.” If you think this is a fallacy, look around your neighborhood and see if the following observation isn't true: “If a house has a porch, it's for looks. No one goes outside and sits on the porch. No one knows who their neighbors are...”.
Our current generation has lost the ability to do basic math or read an analog clock or think critically. As Kirin explains, “Being able to use does not always equal being able to value, but lack of use absolutely devalues a thing” Is that the plight of our Elders? This time capsule of wisdom, she says, shows both changes for good and for bad. This is a provocative read, which I highly recommend to all generations, especially those 'less than greatest” ones.
September 29, 2018
A historically significant look at American history, technology, and culture.
In our digital world, it's not often that we consider the wisdom of the people who grew up in the decades before the things we now think of as essential to our lives. Seeing how Veronica Kirin was able to piece together and analyze the testimonies and advice of America’s oldest living elders was a fascinating read. I feel like I understand now why we call them the “greatest generation”.
Despite the subtitle’s emphasis on technology, the subjects covered in these interviews and memoirs reach far beyond the introduction of electricity, automobiles, and the internet into society. These are stories of how American society and culture have changed in ways that Millennials like myself cannot really appreciate through the facts provided by U.S. history books.
By reading the true stories of members of the greatest generation who grew during the dust bowl or both of the world wars, I get a sense of really having been there for it all. Can you really imagine what it was like to live during the great depression? I’ve lived around the world, from very developed to very undeveloped places, and it’s still hard for me to really picture what life was like back in that portion of American history before the advent of easy transportation and the ability to research or purchase whatever we need as soon as we need it.
I think that in time Stories of Elders will prove to be a quite historically important book that has captured a collection of unique voices at the last moment of history where it was still possible to do so. We are quickly running out of our nation’s centennials and centenarians. I am glad for my own sake and the sake of my children and all future generations that no matter what changes the future of technology and social issues bring us, we will still have this little window of life at a simpler time.
Frankly, Veronica Kirin’s book has even inspired me to take a greater interest in cultural anthropology as whole. There’s a lot of history and cultural left out there for us to discover and document.
In our digital world, it's not often that we consider the wisdom of the people who grew up in the decades before the things we now think of as essential to our lives. Seeing how Veronica Kirin was able to piece together and analyze the testimonies and advice of America’s oldest living elders was a fascinating read. I feel like I understand now why we call them the “greatest generation”.
Despite the subtitle’s emphasis on technology, the subjects covered in these interviews and memoirs reach far beyond the introduction of electricity, automobiles, and the internet into society. These are stories of how American society and culture have changed in ways that Millennials like myself cannot really appreciate through the facts provided by U.S. history books.
By reading the true stories of members of the greatest generation who grew during the dust bowl or both of the world wars, I get a sense of really having been there for it all. Can you really imagine what it was like to live during the great depression? I’ve lived around the world, from very developed to very undeveloped places, and it’s still hard for me to really picture what life was like back in that portion of American history before the advent of easy transportation and the ability to research or purchase whatever we need as soon as we need it.
I think that in time Stories of Elders will prove to be a quite historically important book that has captured a collection of unique voices at the last moment of history where it was still possible to do so. We are quickly running out of our nation’s centennials and centenarians. I am glad for my own sake and the sake of my children and all future generations that no matter what changes the future of technology and social issues bring us, we will still have this little window of life at a simpler time.
Frankly, Veronica Kirin’s book has even inspired me to take a greater interest in cultural anthropology as whole. There’s a lot of history and cultural left out there for us to discover and document.
September 3, 2018
Very interesting read. Wonderful to see things from the oldest living generation's perspective. May our current and future decision makers take note!
October 21, 2018
This book reports serious anthropological research, but in a clear, chatty style that’s enjoyable to read. The subject is modern American society, seen through the eyes of people who have lived through the greatest span of change in all humankind’s history: those born before 1945. She interviewed 100 people across America, and their collective wisdom blew me away.
My favorite interviewee just has to be Sister Ardeth Plattie, who went to jail because she has worked all her life for peace, particularly against nuclear weapons. To my mind, she has a lot in common with people of all ages, including kids. She asks about every issue, “Is this for destruction, or is this for good?” All of us should ask this question about every choice we make.
It is in principle impossible to see a system you are immersed in. Fish can’t perceive water (until they come out of it). Veronica selected old people, because they clearly remember life before the appearance of the current system others take for granted. So, their view is more realistic. They can see both the negatives and positives youngsters don’t even notice.
At the same time, this is also a personal story, and like a good participant observer, Veronica reveals her own experiences, reactions and biases, so the reader can take them into account.
The first chapter, on communication, is a very powerful start. As Veronica says, to see the effects of new communication technology, you need to do so through the eyes of those who had lived without it.
Two thirds through the book, she actually cites younger people as well, to present arguments for an incisive critique of the American lifestyle. Reading this, I got to understand issues like the reason student debts arose in the first place, why they ballooned, and the damage they cause.
While the focus is mostly on technology, all aspects of life are covered. This book is a fascinating journey, well worth the time to read it, and to think about it.
My favorite interviewee just has to be Sister Ardeth Plattie, who went to jail because she has worked all her life for peace, particularly against nuclear weapons. To my mind, she has a lot in common with people of all ages, including kids. She asks about every issue, “Is this for destruction, or is this for good?” All of us should ask this question about every choice we make.
It is in principle impossible to see a system you are immersed in. Fish can’t perceive water (until they come out of it). Veronica selected old people, because they clearly remember life before the appearance of the current system others take for granted. So, their view is more realistic. They can see both the negatives and positives youngsters don’t even notice.
At the same time, this is also a personal story, and like a good participant observer, Veronica reveals her own experiences, reactions and biases, so the reader can take them into account.
The first chapter, on communication, is a very powerful start. As Veronica says, to see the effects of new communication technology, you need to do so through the eyes of those who had lived without it.
Two thirds through the book, she actually cites younger people as well, to present arguments for an incisive critique of the American lifestyle. Reading this, I got to understand issues like the reason student debts arose in the first place, why they ballooned, and the damage they cause.
While the focus is mostly on technology, all aspects of life are covered. This book is a fascinating journey, well worth the time to read it, and to think about it.
December 5, 2018
Stories of Elders: What the Greatest Generation Knows about Technology that You Don't is a great book to read for a book discussion, organizations with generations, or any webinar. When talking about the pros and cons of technology, this book bridges the gap among generations about this form of communication. As technology is a tool, this book can also be used as a tool covering subjects of current, hot topics and relationship issues affecting all our lives. While the book presents itself well, the one pitfall that happens with many authors and happened here is the fact that the author became part of the story instead of being just a mere objective observer. Objectivity of the topic would’ve made the book run a bit smoother. However, having said that, the book is a great gift for anyone interested technology as a form of culture and social commentary.
November 11, 2018
This book is innovative in its creation, unusual in its topic, and makes for fascinating reading.
The book looks at the American "greatest generation", elders who were brought up in a different world to the the one they live in now. The author of this book travelled across America (funded by a Kickstarter campaign) to interview these elders on a variety of topics around how they were brought up vs the technology they see in use today, and their observations.
The topics covered include family, travel, education, religion, home and much more.
The book is an absolutely fascinating read, and the author has done a great job of compiling the interviews and adding her own observations and anecdotes along the way.
There is a LOT to be learned from our elders in this book, especially when it comes to being mindful of the negative aspects of using modern tech.
A really good read.
The book looks at the American "greatest generation", elders who were brought up in a different world to the the one they live in now. The author of this book travelled across America (funded by a Kickstarter campaign) to interview these elders on a variety of topics around how they were brought up vs the technology they see in use today, and their observations.
The topics covered include family, travel, education, religion, home and much more.
The book is an absolutely fascinating read, and the author has done a great job of compiling the interviews and adding her own observations and anecdotes along the way.
There is a LOT to be learned from our elders in this book, especially when it comes to being mindful of the negative aspects of using modern tech.
A really good read.
July 11, 2021
Great read!
Although I spent quality time with my great grandmother, grandparents and parents (the greatest generation) I now realize how many more questions I should have asked them about their lives.
Although I spent quality time with my great grandmother, grandparents and parents (the greatest generation) I now realize how many more questions I should have asked them about their lives.
November 6, 2018
kindle unlimited, the Greatest Generation was not the exact or even apporximate correct time frame for everything mentioned, the writer seemed to gloss over contradictory points -- social media has led to a generation/millenials that don't know cursive and have never known life without 'basic amenities' which these days means smart phone, internet, social media...but those very things not only shaped how they perceive things as it allows them to perceive them more fully if they are so inclined by nature or direction or inclination or other forces. Even if you are of that generation, the generalization of an entire generation has to be false, as if the offhanded way of claiming they have no patriotism; more and more are voting, and less and less are voting to have THEIR government/s be involved in war, mechanically or otherwise, to have THEIR planet that was supposed to be a legacy TO and FOR them wasted away by war or any other means. Social media has given them a voice, as never before, to march against slaughter of innocent peers in school shootings, against war for profit but no other reasons except greed at the expense of the healt and lives of past and current veterans and service members, it has given them platforms across social media including twitter, facebook, youtube, personal linked sites using these platforms, and more. They are our future, and they are striving to make it one with everyone, regardless of color, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability...are held up equally, with the same rights as guaranteed by the the Consitution & Amendments. They are smart, even smarter than than the 'Baby Boomers' generation I came from {very tail end, 1964}, and while they have not known personally the 'greatest generation' problems and issues, they DO know ABOUT those issues, and they strive on to put capstones on legacies of equality, and what they haven't gotten straight Generation Z has or will.
Even those 2 groups, if living in smaller areas, will possibly have to walk to/from school by the way; I did, and checked to see if they still have to, and they do, because smaller school/s and within x amount of distance from school. Also there are quite a few programs, both android or apple or other that will change screen font, screen color/background, and color; it's on the internet, look it up. I personally use at the moment {while having windows 7 laptop fixed} Dark Reader which changes background color of all web pages, and google's TalkBack and sometimes their Read Aloud: A Text to Speech Voice Reader, and as a legally blind person who used to be computer tech even though a 'baby boomer', would state it's obvious that technology can help those who can not totally help themselves. Then there is the matter of the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, which totally does NOT go into the fact with New Deal and advancements such as social services which include social security, SSI, SSDI, and taken for granted/ignored because our TAXES pay for them, government & city services such as roads & electrical boards & food assistance and other humane services, tho in this state and many other Red ones there is no assistance with health care for those without children no matter their health or conditions. As for the internet or smartphones or whatever technological advancement referencing, it is neither good nor bad; it is in how it is used and who uses or misuses it. The same goes for checks {there are overdraft accounts now duh} and debit & credit cards. As for things such as shorthand, business letter writing, and even cursive is still offered in some schools, as is things such as Latin, Spanish, French, and in some German, and multiplecation tables are still taught as well, and as for the algebra example that was irrelevant as I personally have accounting degree and have never ever had to use algebra for ANYthing, so again over generalizing entire educational system. The reason it got a 3 is because have, in general, generalized the entire book, much of it contradictory of itself. It is overly, unnecessarily long and ping pongs between supposed ideas that never mesh. As the basic philosphy throughout this basically says in various ways that because they survived to adulthood that their parents were great parents; no, in many cases they were negligent, very much so. Free range is fine for chickens but NOT for kids, especially not as young as was mentioned, and moreso NOT for the dangers inherent in society today, then you want to gripe that a toddler was put into a highchair with a smart phone even before they had a change to interact with anyone at the dinner, interact how, it's a 2 year old, and as far as going out to play or whatever, what in a restaurant or outside on the busy street, so the following part about the dangers of the internet are really ridiculous because there are far more dangers with social media and in house dangers when the children are not properly taught and/or neither are the parents. It's not a great generation, it's just one that survive a couple of world wars and is grousing about 'kids these days'. There is no such thing as 'too much information', only not enough critical thinking skills, again something parents should be in part responsible for. Kids' 'attitude' is also something that is taught and/or corrected by decent parenting, and as far as not being able to even add without technology that would have to be some really stupid kids. Books, on the other hand, as mentioned above AND available as ebook for this book on Amazon for example, are a prime example that just because someone of the 'great' generation doesn't recognize something as a book doesn't mean they are correct. As far as the section on religion, that is irrlevant, too, as I for one am what used to be called an Agnostic which is now something such as universal or whatever but makes no difference, but my kids who I taught all about various religions, 1 is a youth minister, so whatever, again, with generalities. Kids learn what they are taught, and my kids were taught that the 'greatest' generation was in 2 world wars and wars after that, and it took a dust bowl to get any type of real social safety net, so they weren't that great after all.
America’s Greatest Generation (born before 1945) witnessed incredible changes in technology and social progress. From simple improvements in entertainment to life-changing medical advances, technology changed the way they live, work, and identify. Sadly, with each passing year, fewer members of the Greatest Generation remain alive to share their wisdom as the last Americans to grow up before the digital revolution.
In 2015, Millennial author and cultural anthropologist Veronica Kirin drove 12,000 miles across more than 40 states to interview the last living members of the Greatest Generation. Stories of Elders is the result of her years of work to capture and share their perspective for generations to come. Stories of Elders preserves the wisdom, thoughts, humor, knowledge, and advice of the people who make up one of America’s finest generations, including the Silent Generation. Their stories include the devastation that came from major events in U.S. history like World War I, the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, and World War II.
The Greatest Generation (many of whom are now centenarians) saw the routine use of airplanes, cars, microwave ovens, telephones, radios, electricity, and the Internet come to fruition in their lifetimes. Their childhoods were simple, relying on outdoors games and their imagination for fun. How they went to school, pursued their careers, and raised their kids was radically different than the way we live today. By chronicling more than 8,000 years of life lived during the most transitional time in American history, Stories of Elders offers old-fashioned wisdom and insight for America’s future generations.
Chapter titles:
1. Communication 2. War 3. Politics 4. Rights 5. Transportation 6. Energy & Amenities 7. Work 8. Medicine 9. Relationships 10. Food 11. Money 12. Poverty 13. Safety 14. Community 15. Generational Proximity 16. Family 17. Child Development 18. Religion & Integrity
Even those 2 groups, if living in smaller areas, will possibly have to walk to/from school by the way; I did, and checked to see if they still have to, and they do, because smaller school/s and within x amount of distance from school. Also there are quite a few programs, both android or apple or other that will change screen font, screen color/background, and color; it's on the internet, look it up. I personally use at the moment {while having windows 7 laptop fixed} Dark Reader which changes background color of all web pages, and google's TalkBack and sometimes their Read Aloud: A Text to Speech Voice Reader, and as a legally blind person who used to be computer tech even though a 'baby boomer', would state it's obvious that technology can help those who can not totally help themselves. Then there is the matter of the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, which totally does NOT go into the fact with New Deal and advancements such as social services which include social security, SSI, SSDI, and taken for granted/ignored because our TAXES pay for them, government & city services such as roads & electrical boards & food assistance and other humane services, tho in this state and many other Red ones there is no assistance with health care for those without children no matter their health or conditions. As for the internet or smartphones or whatever technological advancement referencing, it is neither good nor bad; it is in how it is used and who uses or misuses it. The same goes for checks {there are overdraft accounts now duh} and debit & credit cards. As for things such as shorthand, business letter writing, and even cursive is still offered in some schools, as is things such as Latin, Spanish, French, and in some German, and multiplecation tables are still taught as well, and as for the algebra example that was irrelevant as I personally have accounting degree and have never ever had to use algebra for ANYthing, so again over generalizing entire educational system. The reason it got a 3 is because have, in general, generalized the entire book, much of it contradictory of itself. It is overly, unnecessarily long and ping pongs between supposed ideas that never mesh. As the basic philosphy throughout this basically says in various ways that because they survived to adulthood that their parents were great parents; no, in many cases they were negligent, very much so. Free range is fine for chickens but NOT for kids, especially not as young as was mentioned, and moreso NOT for the dangers inherent in society today, then you want to gripe that a toddler was put into a highchair with a smart phone even before they had a change to interact with anyone at the dinner, interact how, it's a 2 year old, and as far as going out to play or whatever, what in a restaurant or outside on the busy street, so the following part about the dangers of the internet are really ridiculous because there are far more dangers with social media and in house dangers when the children are not properly taught and/or neither are the parents. It's not a great generation, it's just one that survive a couple of world wars and is grousing about 'kids these days'. There is no such thing as 'too much information', only not enough critical thinking skills, again something parents should be in part responsible for. Kids' 'attitude' is also something that is taught and/or corrected by decent parenting, and as far as not being able to even add without technology that would have to be some really stupid kids. Books, on the other hand, as mentioned above AND available as ebook for this book on Amazon for example, are a prime example that just because someone of the 'great' generation doesn't recognize something as a book doesn't mean they are correct. As far as the section on religion, that is irrlevant, too, as I for one am what used to be called an Agnostic which is now something such as universal or whatever but makes no difference, but my kids who I taught all about various religions, 1 is a youth minister, so whatever, again, with generalities. Kids learn what they are taught, and my kids were taught that the 'greatest' generation was in 2 world wars and wars after that, and it took a dust bowl to get any type of real social safety net, so they weren't that great after all.
America’s Greatest Generation (born before 1945) witnessed incredible changes in technology and social progress. From simple improvements in entertainment to life-changing medical advances, technology changed the way they live, work, and identify. Sadly, with each passing year, fewer members of the Greatest Generation remain alive to share their wisdom as the last Americans to grow up before the digital revolution.
In 2015, Millennial author and cultural anthropologist Veronica Kirin drove 12,000 miles across more than 40 states to interview the last living members of the Greatest Generation. Stories of Elders is the result of her years of work to capture and share their perspective for generations to come. Stories of Elders preserves the wisdom, thoughts, humor, knowledge, and advice of the people who make up one of America’s finest generations, including the Silent Generation. Their stories include the devastation that came from major events in U.S. history like World War I, the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, and World War II.
The Greatest Generation (many of whom are now centenarians) saw the routine use of airplanes, cars, microwave ovens, telephones, radios, electricity, and the Internet come to fruition in their lifetimes. Their childhoods were simple, relying on outdoors games and their imagination for fun. How they went to school, pursued their careers, and raised their kids was radically different than the way we live today. By chronicling more than 8,000 years of life lived during the most transitional time in American history, Stories of Elders offers old-fashioned wisdom and insight for America’s future generations.
Chapter titles:
1. Communication 2. War 3. Politics 4. Rights 5. Transportation 6. Energy & Amenities 7. Work 8. Medicine 9. Relationships 10. Food 11. Money 12. Poverty 13. Safety 14. Community 15. Generational Proximity 16. Family 17. Child Development 18. Religion & Integrity
October 5, 2018
I didn't have the chance to know my grandparents that well growing up. So when I had a chance to get to know them a little by studying my genealogy, I felt a bit more connected to them.
My grandparents were part of the generation that Veronica talks to in this book. So personally, I really enjoyed hearing their stories because I imagine they're similar to my own grandparents' stories.
Here's an idea that was reinforced to me by this book.
Technology is just a part of life today. But it hasn't always been that way. Like the elders mentioned in the book, I wonder fairly regularly about the cost that we're paying to live in this highly connected world.
There are several - but one is definitely our awareness.
I like to think that the more aware we are, the better off we are.
However, it seems we're trading one kind of awareness for another the more connected we become. Meaning, the more tech we use, the more the outside world tries to influence us with their noise -specifically tailored to each individual.
Because of this, many of us are very aware of what's going on in OUR world. But do we know what's going on outside of our own sphere of influence? How could that stuff affect us? Or even yet, how could we use that to our own advantage?
It would seem that even though our elders weren't as connected as we are, they were a bit more involved in their own world and in their community. So they had to regularly interact with people who might not have seen the world the same way they did. But they got stuff done - TOGETHER!
In contrast, today our belief silos limit us from interacting with others in a way that we might have done just 10 or 15 years ago. Instead of getting things done with people we don't agree with, we seek to ridicule them on social media.
Because of this, it makes sense why so many people today seem to be living in a quiet act of desperation. They don't feel like they're in control of their lives because no one is listening. So they continue to lash out.
Here's the thing - You have to listen to be heard.
I think, as you read this book, you'll get a better understanding of the Greatest Generation (or the Hero Generation as they're often called) and why they were able to accomplish as much as they did during their time here on Earth.
My grandparents were part of the generation that Veronica talks to in this book. So personally, I really enjoyed hearing their stories because I imagine they're similar to my own grandparents' stories.
Here's an idea that was reinforced to me by this book.
Technology is just a part of life today. But it hasn't always been that way. Like the elders mentioned in the book, I wonder fairly regularly about the cost that we're paying to live in this highly connected world.
There are several - but one is definitely our awareness.
I like to think that the more aware we are, the better off we are.
However, it seems we're trading one kind of awareness for another the more connected we become. Meaning, the more tech we use, the more the outside world tries to influence us with their noise -specifically tailored to each individual.
Because of this, many of us are very aware of what's going on in OUR world. But do we know what's going on outside of our own sphere of influence? How could that stuff affect us? Or even yet, how could we use that to our own advantage?
It would seem that even though our elders weren't as connected as we are, they were a bit more involved in their own world and in their community. So they had to regularly interact with people who might not have seen the world the same way they did. But they got stuff done - TOGETHER!
In contrast, today our belief silos limit us from interacting with others in a way that we might have done just 10 or 15 years ago. Instead of getting things done with people we don't agree with, we seek to ridicule them on social media.
Because of this, it makes sense why so many people today seem to be living in a quiet act of desperation. They don't feel like they're in control of their lives because no one is listening. So they continue to lash out.
Here's the thing - You have to listen to be heard.
I think, as you read this book, you'll get a better understanding of the Greatest Generation (or the Hero Generation as they're often called) and why they were able to accomplish as much as they did during their time here on Earth.
February 26, 2019
For a nonfiction book, this was an easy, quick read. The author is an organized writer who writes at a reading level appropriate for teens and up. She divides her chapters into subjects and uses the material she gathered through her interviews in somewhat of a discussion format, using many quotes from interesting people that draws the reader in.
The book was thought provoking, and personally, really made me look at how much has changed over the last 100 years. I am one of the 20% of Americans who do not have a smart phone, and it got me wondering how far I'd be behind in another 10 years if I don't get one. I enjoy a great feeling of security carrying around my cell phone, but if I had a smart phone, I, like most, would be constantly checking my emails, texts, and looking up information instead of paying attention to what is going on around me. And is it becoming NECESSARY to have one? Maybe. This question was not discussed in the book, but this is where my thoughts led me after reading this book.
The book looks at how things have changed over about the last 100 years in the areas of communication, war, politics, rights, transportation, energy, amenities, work, medicine, relationships, food, money, poverty, safety, community, generational proximity, family, child development, religion, and integrity. It covers a wide range of topics and I think, in a small amount of space. The author chose well what she put in and left out so that she wrote enough without the book becoming monotonous. Although the book covers things most of us know, I did learn some new things, for example, how the credit card developed into what we use today- something I have never thought about.
This would make an excellent book club book, especially for intergenerational clubs. It would give the opportunity to share some personal experiences and really get to know each other. If you are looking for a nonfiction book, I highly recommend this one to young adults and up.
The book was thought provoking, and personally, really made me look at how much has changed over the last 100 years. I am one of the 20% of Americans who do not have a smart phone, and it got me wondering how far I'd be behind in another 10 years if I don't get one. I enjoy a great feeling of security carrying around my cell phone, but if I had a smart phone, I, like most, would be constantly checking my emails, texts, and looking up information instead of paying attention to what is going on around me. And is it becoming NECESSARY to have one? Maybe. This question was not discussed in the book, but this is where my thoughts led me after reading this book.
The book looks at how things have changed over about the last 100 years in the areas of communication, war, politics, rights, transportation, energy, amenities, work, medicine, relationships, food, money, poverty, safety, community, generational proximity, family, child development, religion, and integrity. It covers a wide range of topics and I think, in a small amount of space. The author chose well what she put in and left out so that she wrote enough without the book becoming monotonous. Although the book covers things most of us know, I did learn some new things, for example, how the credit card developed into what we use today- something I have never thought about.
This would make an excellent book club book, especially for intergenerational clubs. It would give the opportunity to share some personal experiences and really get to know each other. If you are looking for a nonfiction book, I highly recommend this one to young adults and up.
November 9, 2019
America’s Greatest Generation (born before 1945) witnessed incredible changes in technology and social progress. From simple improvements in entertainment to life-changing medical advances, technology changed the way they live, work, and identify. Sadly, with each passing year, fewer members of the Greatest Generation remain alive to share their wisdom as the last Americans to grow up before the digital revolution.
The greatest generation is considered to be anyone born before 1945. So much has changed in those years, those people grew up without electricity or indoor plumbing and she wanted to see through their eyes how they felt that technology had affected them and was currently affecting the world. Her conclusion is that growing up in America has changed in the last 60 years but even more in the last 20 years when kids have their smart phones close at hand from a young age. 'Intergenerational communication is strained by a lack of commonality." (p296) I know that my view of technology as a Baby Boomer was very different from my parents who were part of the greatest generation. The differences between my views and my grandson's view on technology are even more pronounced because of the speed of change currently going on.
I found this book to be very eye-opening in many ways. The world is changing but are all the changes good or do they further inhibit communication between the generations?
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
The greatest generation is considered to be anyone born before 1945. So much has changed in those years, those people grew up without electricity or indoor plumbing and she wanted to see through their eyes how they felt that technology had affected them and was currently affecting the world. Her conclusion is that growing up in America has changed in the last 60 years but even more in the last 20 years when kids have their smart phones close at hand from a young age. 'Intergenerational communication is strained by a lack of commonality." (p296) I know that my view of technology as a Baby Boomer was very different from my parents who were part of the greatest generation. The differences between my views and my grandson's view on technology are even more pronounced because of the speed of change currently going on.
I found this book to be very eye-opening in many ways. The world is changing but are all the changes good or do they further inhibit communication between the generations?
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
September 13, 2020
Wow! It was so amazing to read what those age 80+ have to say about technological advances from their childhood till now. There are stories of life lived during wars and the Great Depression. There are stories about getting a car for the first time, a telephone for the first time, and running water for the first time.
The author interviewed tons of older Seniors, including some over age 100. She shared what they had to say and brought them together into general categories. Such categories include Communication, War, Rights, Transportation, Work, Medicine, Food, Money, Safety, Family and more.
I enjoyed this book so much that I want to share parts of it with my children. I plan to read parts of the elder’s stories to my children over the next few months. I want them to imagine a life where you couldn’t just text your friend, or easily travel to a distant country, or order something from across the ocean and have it arrive a week later.
The most interesting part though, is reading about the technology of old. The early washing machines, when X-rays were new, typewriters, party lines. There is even a story of when they got electricity to the house for the first time, some friends were afraid to come over because they were afraid the electricity would sneak out of the circuits and get them.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone 59 and younger.
The author interviewed tons of older Seniors, including some over age 100. She shared what they had to say and brought them together into general categories. Such categories include Communication, War, Rights, Transportation, Work, Medicine, Food, Money, Safety, Family and more.
I enjoyed this book so much that I want to share parts of it with my children. I plan to read parts of the elder’s stories to my children over the next few months. I want them to imagine a life where you couldn’t just text your friend, or easily travel to a distant country, or order something from across the ocean and have it arrive a week later.
The most interesting part though, is reading about the technology of old. The early washing machines, when X-rays were new, typewriters, party lines. There is even a story of when they got electricity to the house for the first time, some friends were afraid to come over because they were afraid the electricity would sneak out of the circuits and get them.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone 59 and younger.
July 15, 2020
'Stories of Elders' is a book that should be shared with every generation. As a millennial I grew up more free range than those of generation Z, but less so than the Greatest Generation. After having been blessed with an intergenerational upbringing and fortunate enough to have my Memere until the age of 92 I cannot tell you how thankful I am to have found this book. For years I have been on the fence in regards to how much or how little technology to allow my children to have access too. This book absolutely highlights both the positive and negative aspects of technology in our lives, and how it effects us as individuals, as couples, as families, as communities, and as a society overall. So much real world knowledge, wisdom, and stories of life are disappearing with the loss of each of our elders. Thank you isn't sufficient for helping to preserve what might've otherwise been lost, but Thank You!
I don't agree with every viewpoint in this book, and you may not either. However, they can be appreciated for their insight regardless. Do yourself a favor and read this book!
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I don't agree with every viewpoint in this book, and you may not either. However, they can be appreciated for their insight regardless. Do yourself a favor and read this book!
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 2, 2018
This was a fantastic read!! I love the snippets of Veronica's own journey with traveling around the country while interviewing the elders for their experiences. I also appreciate that the elders are listed in the back of the book--what a way to honor the greatest generation! I also loved her appreciation for each person interviewed.
I was especially impressed with how the book showed the negatives AND positives of technology, and was fascinated by the descriptions from the elders about how we often don't find pleasure in the simple things anymore. I've definitely found this to be true even in my own lifetime (I'm 27 now). The book really inspired me to remove myself from my phone/social media more often to find simple ways to be happy, as well as to ask my grandparents about their feelings with technology (the shifts, the positives and negatives, what they did growing up, etc).
Thank you Veronica for an incredible journey, great interviewees, and a wonderful book! I'm excited to pass it along to my family members and friends. It is SO valuable.
I was especially impressed with how the book showed the negatives AND positives of technology, and was fascinated by the descriptions from the elders about how we often don't find pleasure in the simple things anymore. I've definitely found this to be true even in my own lifetime (I'm 27 now). The book really inspired me to remove myself from my phone/social media more often to find simple ways to be happy, as well as to ask my grandparents about their feelings with technology (the shifts, the positives and negatives, what they did growing up, etc).
Thank you Veronica for an incredible journey, great interviewees, and a wonderful book! I'm excited to pass it along to my family members and friends. It is SO valuable.
November 2, 2018
This book is a fascinating study conducted by a trained anthropologist who became an entrepreneur. Kirin traveled across America to interview members of what she calls The Greatest Generation, Americans who were born before 1945. She wanted to discover what it was like to live before the advent of technology from the mouths of those who grew up living without it.
Kirin developed a list of fifteen interview questions which covered basic demographic information as well as the type of childhood, their occupations, and how technology has changed their lives and those who are growing up in a world dominated by technology. Her questions touched on poverty, economic issues, family, religion, safety, and community. Her conclusions discuss the advantages and disadvantages of growing up with or without technology. Kirin provides a list of participants in an index.
I believe that millennials will find this study interesting and enlightening. As a person who grew up between these two groups, I found the information fascinating.
Kirin developed a list of fifteen interview questions which covered basic demographic information as well as the type of childhood, their occupations, and how technology has changed their lives and those who are growing up in a world dominated by technology. Her questions touched on poverty, economic issues, family, religion, safety, and community. Her conclusions discuss the advantages and disadvantages of growing up with or without technology. Kirin provides a list of participants in an index.
I believe that millennials will find this study interesting and enlightening. As a person who grew up between these two groups, I found the information fascinating.
September 29, 2018
A great idea here: Talk to elders about how their lives were different, especially technologically, before the new (in the last couple of generations) tech got a hold; and on how they managed without it. There are lots of excerpts from interviews of elders around the country, and many useful and thoughtful bits and pieces. I would have enjoyed reading more of them. The downside here was the extended essays on changing times, and opinions about a range ways things are going now, by the author; they tended to dilute the elders' own accounts. But I'd recommend it for the gems scattered around here, with the hope other writers and researchers pick up on the idea and pursue it further.
October 30, 2019
This book explores several subjects with a look back on how things have changed. What was communication like before the invention of the smartphone? What conveniences do we take for granted today that were luxuries just a short time ago? This is a collection of stories from "the greatest generation" presented as simply that. There are no points to prove other than we can learn much from speaking to our elders. I wish my grandparents were still here to discuss this book with. I would have loved to have them answer the same questions the author asked. I think there is much we can learn from our elders but the opportunity is passing us by quickly!
October 25, 2018
I enjoyed reading other points of view from my generation about the good and bad of how technology has changed for today's youth. I find the author's style to be very fair and personal and you can tell she had a strong passion for learning about life in the forgotten past.
December 7, 2018
Dry as the dust bowl
Such a tedious boring book that I couldn't finish it .Much more lecturing about the ills of modern society than any interesting stories from the older generations. There is nothing remotely new or interesting in this book.
Such a tedious boring book that I couldn't finish it .Much more lecturing about the ills of modern society than any interesting stories from the older generations. There is nothing remotely new or interesting in this book.
April 4, 2024
learn from your past
This was a great way to see perspective on many life events from the eyes of many older individuals. I was always taught to respect elders . I feel it is wise to see their take on some important items in life .
This was a great way to see perspective on many life events from the eyes of many older individuals. I was always taught to respect elders . I feel it is wise to see their take on some important items in life .
November 20, 2018
Thought provoking
This book is a wonderful co!!action of interviews with "elders" that really examines the ways that life has changed during their lifetime.
This book is a wonderful co!!action of interviews with "elders" that really examines the ways that life has changed during their lifetime.
June 30, 2020
could of been a term paper or a masters thesis?
December 17, 2021
Informative
It’s amazing how life was before the coming of the new age.. generation of technology.I have learnt a lot from this story which I used to take for granted.
It’s amazing how life was before the coming of the new age.. generation of technology.I have learnt a lot from this story which I used to take for granted.
March 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book...I love hearing peoples' stories and I love learning from older people. This is a compilation of interviews of people born before 1945 and how they have experienced changes in different areas of their life due to technology - the good and the bad. It opened my eyes to someways that I am truly grateful for technology that I hadn't really thought about before especially for home appliances freeing up so much time to allow us to do other things.
December 25, 2024
I don't remember much about this book, only that I didn't keep it. I do remember a lot of feministic thought and that it wasn't all that well written. Not a book I kept for my book shelves.
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