Why Millennials Think They Invented Everything (And Why They’re Wrong)
Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, are often hailed as the pioneers of modern trends, from the sharing economy to the rise of plant-based diets. They’re known for their adaptability, tech-savviness, and progressive values, which have undoubtedly shaped the world we live in today. But here’s the thing – many of the trends and ideas that millennials are credited with inventing have actually been around for decades, if not centuries.
Let’s look at 20 concepts that millennials are often associated with and explore their historical roots. From spirituality without religion to the gig economy, we’ll see how these “millennial” trends are actually built on foundations laid by previous generations.
Spirituality Without Religion
Millennials are often credited with the rise of spirituality without religion, but this concept has been around for centuries. The idea of seeking spiritual meaning outside of organized religion can be traced back to ancient philosophies like Stoicism and Buddhism. In more recent history, the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s saw a surge in interest in alternative spiritual practices, from meditation to astrology.
On-Demand Entertainment
Binge-watching Netflix may be a favorite millennial pastime, but the concept of on-demand entertainment has been evolving for decades. In the 1980s, video rental stores like Blockbuster allowed people to watch movies on their own schedule. The 1990s saw the rise of DVRs, which let viewers record and watch TV shows whenever they wanted.
Experience-Based Living
Millennials are known for valuing experiences over possessions, but this idea is hardly new. Throughout history, people have sought out life experiences like travel, cultural immersion, and adventure. The ancient Greeks, for example, placed a high value on experiences and believed that travel was essential for personal growth and enlightenment.
Collaborative Consumption
The sharing economy, exemplified by platforms like Airbnb and Uber, is often seen as a millennial innovation. However, the concept of shared resources and community-based consumption has been around for a long time. Think of public libraries, community gardens, and carpooling – all examples of collaborative consumption that predate the millennial generation.
Side Hustles
While the gig economy may have expanded with millennials, the idea of having a side hustle to earn extra income is nothing new. In the 1950s, for example, many people took on extra jobs like door-to-door sales or freelance writing to supplement their income. The term “moonlighting” – working a second job, often at night – has been around since the 1950s.
Gender Equality
Millennials are known for their advocacy of gender equality, but this fight has been going on for generations. The women’s suffrage movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries fought for women’s right to vote. The feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s pushed for equal rights and opportunities for women in the workplace and beyond.
Plant-Based Eating
Plant-based diets may align with millennial values of health and sustainability, but the practice of vegetarianism and veganism has a long history in many cultures. Ancient Greek philosophers like Pythagoras and Plotinus advocated for vegetarianism, and many religious traditions, including Hinduism and Buddhism, have long promoted plant-based eating.
The Digital Revolution
Millennials may have grown up during the rise of the internet and smartphones, but they didn’t invent these technologies. The foundational work for the internet began in the 1960s with the development of ARPANET. The first mobile phone call was made in 1973, and the first smartphone – the IBM Simon – was introduced in 1994.
Eco-Friendliness
Millennials are often associated with eco-friendly practices and sustainability, but the modern environmental movement began long before they were born. The 1960s and 1970s saw a surge of environmental activism, with events like Earth Day and the publication of Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring.” The first United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was held in 1972.
Work-Life Balance
The idea of work-life balance is often attributed to millennials, but the desire for a balanced life is hardly a new concept. In the 1930s, economist John Maynard Keynes predicted that technological advancements would lead to a 15-hour workweek, allowing people more time for leisure and personal pursuits. The term “work-life balance” itself was coined in the 1970s.
The Gig Economy
Platforms like Uber, Airbnb, and Fiverr are often seen as millennial inventions, but the concept of freelancing and side hustles has been around for a long time. In the Middle Ages, skilled craftsmen often worked on a project basis, moving from town to town as work became available. In more recent history, freelance writers, artists, and musicians have long relied on gig work to make a living.
Minimalism
The minimalist trend, often associated with millennials, has roots in the mid-20th century. The term “minimalism” was first used in the 1960s to describe a style of art that emphasized simplicity and geometric abstraction. In the 1980s and 1990s, minimalist fashion and interior design gained popularity, with designers like Calvin Klein and MUJI promoting a “less is more” aesthetic.
Craft Beer and Artisanal Food
Millennials have certainly contributed to the boom in craft beer and artisanal foods, but these industries have a long history. Beer brewing dates back thousands of years, with evidence of beer production in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Artisanal cheesemaking, bread baking, and other food crafts have been practiced for centuries in cultures around the world.
Activism and Social Justice
Millennials are known for their vocal advocacy of social and political causes, but they stand on the shoulders of previous generations of activists. The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s fought for racial equality and desegregation. The anti-war movement of the 1960s and 1970s protested U.S. involvement in Vietnam. The Stonewall riots of 1969 marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Remote Work
The COVID-19 pandemic may have accelerated the trend of remote work, but the concept of telecommuting has been around since the 1970s. In 1973, NASA engineer Jack Nilles coined the term “telecommuting” to describe the idea of using technology to work remotely. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, advances in computer and telecommunications technology made remote work increasingly feasible.
Subscription Services
From Netflix to Blue Apron, subscription services have boomed in popularity among millennials. But the subscription model itself is nothing new. In the 17th century, publishers sold subscriptions to books that were released in installments. In the 19th century, newspapers and magazines relied on subscription models to build their readership.
Fast Fashion
Fast fashion brands like H&M and Zara are often associated with millennial shopping habits, but the concept of rapidly produced, affordable clothing has its roots in the post-WWII era. In the 1950s and 1960s, the rise of ready-to-wear clothing and the growth of department stores made fashion more accessible to the masses.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe have become popular among millennials, but the idea of pooling resources for a common goal is an age-old practice. In the 18th and 19th centuries, subscription-based philanthropy was common, with people contributing small amounts to support causes like abolition and women’s suffrage. The concept of microlending, which allows individuals to make small loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries, originated in the 1970s.
Open Office Spaces
The trend of open office spaces is often blamed on (or credited to) millennials, but the concept actually originated in 1950s Germany. The Quickborner Team, a group of management consultants, developed the “Bürolandschaft” (office landscape) concept, which emphasized open, flexible workspaces that encouraged collaboration and communication.
Mental Health Awareness
Millennials have been instrumental in destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting mental health awareness, but this movement has been building for decades. In the early 20th century, Sigmund Freud and other psychoanalysts began to challenge the idea that mental illness was a moral failing. The anti-psychiatry movement of the 1960s and 1970s criticized the institutional treatment of mental illness and advocated for more humane, community-based approaches.
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