I heard from someone chashuv that one of the biggest problems our times have is low self esteem. when I heard it I didn’t understand it at all –I still don’t. maybe someone can explain it– but slowly its sinking into me. and I think it explains6 a trend I’ve noticed for a while now. maybe I’m imagining it or maybe I’m just clueless in psychology (I am) but this is what I’ve noticed.
growing up not so long ago (I’m almost 21) the ‘old men’ -50s 60s, higher, all had a certain feeling of accomplishment to them. it didn’t matter workers learners rabbis right wing or left. they all portrayed a sense of wholesomeness of confidence of satisfaction etc. and2 most of all people who had no doubt or qualms as to their role in life. it’s something I’m not noticing in young people.
again maybe I’m wrong. could be I’m older now, could be I’m judging people at a younger age or any other reasons , but I think I’m right anyway. and it’s at the root of all lack of middos all doing what people expect of me, etc.
addendum: I tink its also at the root of why the younger generation is less likely to have a makom kavua to Daven . I can’t explain what I think the correlation is. its just a feeling I have.