The elders of society have traditionally constituted the population of the wise. However, in an excerpt from Walden, Henry David Thoreau contradicted this common opinion. He believed that the elderly did not possess useful knowledge to pass on to the next generation, since throughout their lives they encountered numerous failures and did not learn anything useful. Although logically sound, Thoreau's philosophy contained questionable aspects. For example, the failures of the previous generation taught vital lessons. The shortcomings of famous people like Milton Hershey, everyday people like parental figures, and historical figures like prominent leaders during the Cold War and World War II have prevented today's youth from repeating the mistakes of the past. plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The drastic loss of life during World War II and the looming nuclear threat of the Cold War convinced leaders of countries around the world to implement precautionary measures to ensure that such atrocities would never again plague the world. Following these wars, the new policies imposed paved the way towards a more prosperous and peaceful future. The formation of the United Nations to replace the dysfunctional League of Nations allowed for greater international unity and greater power to oppose inhuman forces. The development of destructive technology was prohibited, while the introduction of innovative devices permanently transformed daily life. Additionally, the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union triggered revolutionary discoveries in astronomy. The mistakes of Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt, Josef Stalin, and other world leaders in igniting these conflicts alerted future generations to the importance of peaceful relations, and the knowledge gained from these tragic events provided the foundation for subsequent advances, some of which more recent generations may not have discovered on their own. Additionally, younger generations would benefit from older role models who could teach them to deal with life's obstacles. Prominent individuals who have achieved success through repeated failure and perseverance serve as excellent role models. They provide young people with hope and the knowledge that diligence conquers all challenges. A prime example of this is Milton Hershey, founder of Hershey's Chocolate Company. A Lancaster printer fired Hershey from his apprenticeship, and without a job to fill, Hershey started a candy company. Failed company after failed company faced countless obstacles. After 3 failed companies, Hershey met with moderate success with his Lancaster Caramel Company. His latest company, Hershey's Chocolate Company, proved to be the most prosperous of all, realizing his dream of distributing milk chocolate globally. Passed down from generation to generation, stories of disappointment and perseverance like this one impart memorable lessons to the children of the future. Examples of the gift of advice, wisdom and knowledge from elders to future generations are perhaps even more abundant in parental figures. . Growing up, parents encountered challenges similar to those faced by today's youth, and their willingness to share their past nurtures new generations. For example, my parents revealed their teenage mistakes to me in the hope that I would not repeat their failures. They give me advice on how to balance academics, friends, romance and work based on theirs.