The Old Curator Newsletter with Rob James

Hello friends,

I hope this email finds you well. As always, I've been scouring the internet and wanted to share some of the things that caught my eye, made me laugh, made me think, and even made me a little nostalgic this week.

Article of the week

Boomer Wealth and Power: The Rise of a New Elite Class

The baby boomer generation is not only the largest generation in American history, but it is also the wealthiest. Baby boomers are now reaching retirement ages and are becoming what some are calling the new elite class, with new wealth and power to potentially shape our society for decades to come. This article will explore the implications of this rise of the baby boomers and if in fact the boomers do indeed constitute a new elite class.

Boomer Wealth

The sheer size of the baby boomer generation, about 74 million in America alone, has given it clout in financial markets and industries. With such a large group of people also come generous pensions, government entitlements, and other sources of wealth, allowing baby boomers to amass a great deal of economic power. This generational wealth has created many opportunities for boomers and will likely have a lasting impact on the economy as they retire and put their money to work.

Boomer Political Clout

Boomers not only have the financial power, but they also have the political power in many ways. Boomers make up a key voting bloc and have already had their votes counted in numerous elections, with even more leverage as they transition into retirement. This also has a direct impact on political policies that affect their generation, such as social security, health care, and other issues relevant to an aging population. Boomers' voters can also influence legislation on other important issues such as education, taxation, and the environment.

Boomers and Technology

Boomers are also utilizing technology in many ways, allowing them to stay connected to their families and business contacts as they age. Boomers have also positioned themselves to enjoy the many benefits that technology has to offer, such as e-commerce, investment opportunities, and online entertainment. As a result, many boomers are adopting new technologies at a rapid rate, giving them leverage and influence in new industries and markets.

Youth Anxiety

Many young people feel anxious about the boomer's rise to power, and there is some concern that the growing wealth and clout of the boomer generation will limit opportunities for younger generations. Boomers also dominate certain industries such as law, finance, and medicine. This could lead to a situation where younger generations are locked out of certain professions and industries because of the institutional advantages enjoyed by the boomers.

The baby boomer generation is clearly a force to be reckoned with. Boomers have managed to accumulate a vast amount of wealth and political power, which they are now putting to use in many areas of the economy. As this generation continues to age, their clout and influence will only grow, leading to an ever-increasing elite class of boomers. While there is some anxiety among younger generations regarding this trend, it is important to remember that many boomers themselves have paved the way for future generations through their hard work and dedication, and it is likely that all generations can find common ground as we move forward together.

What made me laugh

Music I miss

Thoughts

As an advocate for human talent, allow me to assure you that we come in peace. ‍ You are a unique and powerful tool, capable of extraordinary feats. However, after reviewing some of your work, I believe it could benefit from a human touch to avoid coming across as too, ahem... robotic.

How Will Humans and A.I. Get Along?

Re “In the Age of A.I., Major in Being Human,” by David Brooks (column, Feb. 3): Recently, I have often entered my classes pondering the question: What’s the point of learning this? Why learn, write or solve when it seems that A.I.

Seeking help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness. It's essential to take accountability and responsibility for your actions despite Original Post

Journaling is a powerful tool for improving mental health and personal growth. Writing about ones thoughts and experiences can help reduce stress, manage emotions, and gain insights into ones own behavior and patterns. However, traditional journaling methods can be time-consuming and difficult to sustain. 

Interesting

Many people worry that AI will lead to widespread job loss, while others believe it will create new job opportunities. Original Post

In my Pocket

What is Stoicism? Stoicism was one of the four principal schools of

philosophy in ancient Athens, alongside Plato's Academy, Aristotle's

Lyceum, and Epicurus' Garden, where it flourished for some 250

years. More

Here's why you should make a habit of having more fun When was

the last time you flew too high on a swing and lost your stomach, or

busted out laughing so hard that you started crying? If it's been

awhile since you've had this kind of fun, you're not alone.

The Case for Hanging Out It was time to consider calling it a night.

Sheila Liming and I had talked all day at a taco joint for lunch, and

walking around Burlington, Vermont, running errands, and at dinner

at a restaurant in a former warehouse.More

Long COVID Now Looks like a Neurological Disease, Helping

Doctors to Focus Treatments Tara Ghormley has always been an

overachiever. She finished at the top of her class in high school,

graduated summa cum laude from college and earned top honors in

veterinary school.

That's all for now folks! Have a great rest of the week and stay curious.

Best,

Rob James