Precedents for Enshrining Legal and Economic Rights for Future GenerationsWe humans sometimes forget that we're a species (like all the others on Earth) and that one of our fundamental roles is to perpetuate our species. Those of us old enough to remember the 1950s used to hear about it all the time — parents would say things like, "We're working hard to give our kids a better chance in life," or "We don't mind making sacrifices if it means our kids will go to college." Louis Armstrong even sang about it in the heartwarming song, Hello Brother.
How Times Have ChangedNowadays, sacrifice seems to be a dirty word, and parents who still work hard for their children are considered chumps in many places. The "Me Generation" grew up and forgot about "us" — and them ("them" being their children and grandchildren and further descendants). This bumper sticker says it all (and hurts more than the eyes).
Nevertheless, over the centuries, some human civilizations and societies have adopted strategies for putting the rights of their children and grandchildren first. Over the next few days, watch for more information about each of the following precedents for "enshrining" legal and economic rights for future generations. |
