If you grew up in the 1960s or 70s, you probably learned these 9 life lessons rarely taught today

Growing up in the 1960s and 70s was like living in a world that was both simple and complex, all at once. It was a time of rotary phones and backyard adventures, where independence wasn’t just a concept—it was a way of life. Back then, you learned things in ways that might seem quaint now, but those lessons? They stick with you. And surprisingly, they just might be more relevant today than we realize.

Now, if you’re someone who came of age during those decades, these might ring a bell. If not, well, you might just discover a few pearls worth pondering. Let’s dive in.

Integrity Over Incentives

In a world before participation trophies, you did things because they needed doing. Whether it was shoveling snow for a neighbor or holding the door for a stranger, there was an understanding that doing the right thing was its own reward. I remember once, as a kid, I held the door open for an elderly woman at the hardware store. She smiled and thanked me, and that was it. No fanfare. And honestly, it’s surprising—really surprising—how satisfying that simple “thank you” felt.

Today, it seems like every action needs a reward. Have we lost something along the way? Maybe integrity shouldn’t need a prize, and perhaps it’s time we teach that again.

The Quiet Power of Privacy

Remember when not everyone needed to know every detail of your life? It wasn’t secrecy; it was a form of self-respect. Conversations were face-to-face, and letters were handwritten. You didn’t share your deepest thoughts with just anyone. A dear friend of mine once said, “Not everyone needs to know your business to care about you.” That wisdom has stayed with me.

These days, privacy seems mistaken for secrecy. But knowing when to speak and when to stay silent is a powerful skill—a skill worth rediscovering.

The Value of Earning

Back then, if you wanted spending money, you earned it. Delivering newspapers, mowing lawns, or working part-time at the local store taught us the value of a dollar. My first job was stocking shelves at a grocery store. That first paycheck of $32 felt like a fortune. But more than the money, it instilled a sense of capability in me. Earning something was always more satisfying than having it handed to you. In today’s world of instant gratification, this lesson is as valuable as ever.

According to Forbes, the act of earning and giving back can lead to a more fulfilled life.

Life’s Unfairness Builds Resilience

“Life isn’t fair.” It was a lesson taught to prepare us, not discourage us. You didn’t always get picked first, and sometimes opportunities slipped by. I recall a teacher telling me, after I bombed a test I’d studied hard for, “Life’s not fair, but you still have to show up tomorrow.” It wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but it was what I needed to hear. Resilience is built by moving forward despite unfairness, not by expecting life to be fair.

Respect Your Elders

We learned to respect our elders—not because they were infallible, but because they’d traveled roads we hadn’t. Listening to my great-uncle’s stories at Thanksgiving, even when they meandered, was a small price to pay. In today’s world of hot takes and quick judgments, maybe a bit more patience and respect would do us all some good.

Hard Work: A Shot at Success

Nobody promised us success, but we worked hard anyway. Hard work built something inside us, a quiet sense of accomplishment not easily measured. I’ve seen men and women build lives without making headlines, but they slept well, knowing they’d done right by their families and communities. That kind of success may not be flashy, but it’s deeply earned and profoundly satisfying.

The Quiet Strength of Gratitude

Gratitude was a part of everyday life. We thanked our parents, teachers, and neighbors—not because it was expected, but because it was the right thing to do. My father used to say grace at every meal. It wasn’t about religion; it was about recognizing the good in our lives. Today, gratitude often gets reduced to hashtags, but the real thing is a quiet, everyday practice. And it never goes out of style.

Embracing Discomfort

We were used to a bit of discomfort—cold car seats, long road trips without air conditioning, sitting through something boring without a phone to distract us. And you know what? We survived. Discomfort isn’t a threat; it’s a training ground. It builds grit, patience, and self-awareness—qualities arguably more valuable than most school subjects.

Here’s a fascinating take from Psychology Today on how discomfort can actually lead to personal growth.

So, which of these lessons do you still carry with you? And which ones are you passing on? Because the best parts of the past aren’t just memories—they’re blueprints for a better today. Let’s hold onto that wisdom and keep it alive.