Is the new generation turning soft? Well, one muscle man is betting that they are.
Debate has long swirled over whether each new generation grows more fragile.
There is little hard proof, aside from fewer wars and less day-to-day hardship for some people.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has publicly argued that future generations in America are becoming too sheltered.
The former bodybuilder spoke out about how constant coddling will lead to “creating a generation of wimps and weak people.”
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Schwarzenegger, who once served as governor of California, said struggle forges strong people.
“You can only strengthen your character and become a really strong person inside if you have resistance, if you fail, if you get up again and if you work hard.”
The 76-year-old argued that facing hardships builds resilience and increases the chance of success.
“Anyone that tries to baby themselves and pamper themselves… it’s over. You’re never going to get there.”
Schwarzenegger urged young people to learn to accept pain, misery, and discomfort to become tougher.
He also reflected on the perseverance of first-generation Americans and their sacrifices to build a life from nothing.
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“Is it people that slept in? Is it people that were wimping out? This, ‘Oh, I want to feel good. Oh, I want to be comfortable.’ No.”
“This is where ballsy women and men that went out there at five in the morning and got up, and they struggled . . . they fought . . . they worked their butts off,” he explained.
“That’s what made this country great. And so now let’s continue this way.”
He said being considerate remains “nice,” but warned against over-babysitting children.
“Let’s go and teach kids to be tough… go out and do sports… to struggle… and go through this kind of painful moments sometimes.”
Perhaps Schwarzenegger has a point.
Or perhaps his generation prized stoicism and silence over discussing feelings.
Who can say for certain?