Lies That New Generations Were Made To Believe Were The Secret To Living Better Lives

Some of the biggest lies people grow up hearing sound harmless at first, until real life proves otherwise. In this Reddit thread, people called out the ideas they were raised to believe about school, work, money, happiness, and success.

The conversation gets especially interesting because so many of these beliefs were passed down as if they were facts, even when they left people stressed, burned out, or disappointed. From college promises to career myths, the comments show just how messy those lessons can be.

And once you start reading, it is hard not to recognize a few of these lies in your own life too.

1. Things you had to unlearn from past generations

u/VictorPumpenstein

2. The things they would try to get away with just because it's cheaper

DifficultMinute

3. That's why they tell you to memorize a whole table of numbers

hotsaucetom

One of the key myths propagated to younger generations is the belief that a traditional education guarantees a successful career. While higher education generally correlates with higher earnings, this is not a universal truth. Factors such as the field of study, economic conditions, and individual circumstances play significant roles in determining career success. This points to a broader psychological phenomenon known as the

"illusion of control," where individuals believe they have more control over outcomes than they actually do. Understanding this can help young adults set realistic expectations for their careers, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning over rigid adherence to traditional pathways.

The article highlights a critical issue regarding the societal narratives surrounding success and happiness. It points out that many of the messages ingrained in us from a young age are misleading. These prevalent myths about what it means to live a fulfilling life often set unattainable expectations. As a result, individuals may experience dissatisfaction and mental health challenges when they find themselves unable to meet these fabricated standards. This commentary urges readers to reconsider the so-called truths that have shaped their beliefs and aspirations, advocating for a more realistic understanding of personal fulfillment.

That is where the thread starts to hit a nerve.

4. There's nothing wrong with going to college but making it the sole reason for you to make or break in life, now that's wrong

molten_dragon

5. "They will treat you like family"

whatintheactualfeth

6. Life has a funny way of showing how bad it can be sometimes despite doing well in school

Glittering_Sundae_53

Research in cognitive psychology shows that overgeneralizing based on misleading narratives can be detrimental to mental health. A clinical psychologist pointed out that the repetitive reinforcement of a single narrative, such as 'good grades lead to success,' can lead to anxiety and self-doubt in individuals who struggle academically. This is supported by studies indicating that cognitive distortions, such as all-or-nothing thinking, often lead to heightened levels of stress and dissatisfaction (Beck, 2011).

To counteract these negative thought patterns, it is crucial for individuals to engage in cognitive restructuring techniques, which help them challenge and reframe their beliefs about success and failure. By recognizing the complexity of success, individuals can develop a healthier mindset that accommodates various paths in life.

Studies show that the narrative of achieving success through education and hard work is often oversimplified.

7. It's about balance and knowing what's good for your body

Thesorus

8. Even if your penmanship is illegible

hakuna_matitties

9. Maybe you can wait after doing good things

kingofthecairn

Another prevalent belief is that personal sacrifices are necessary for success, often leading to burnout and mental health issues. This underscores the importance of work-life balance, supported by evidence that taking regular breaks and engaging in leisure activities can significantly improve mental health and job satisfaction.

The article underscores how unrealistic expectations can create chronic feelings of inadequacy and anxiety among younger generations. These societal myths, often passed down from previous generations, establish a relentless cycle of self-criticism that can ultimately lead to severe mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The pressure to conform to these often unattainable ideals contributes to a toxic environment, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to maintain a healthy self-image. This pervasive influence of unrealistic standards is not just a personal struggle but a broader cultural issue that demands attention and reflection.

10. Sometimes luck plays a big role when it comes to achieving what you want, other than hard work

raziel_LK

11. They say credit cards are traps but they're involved in a weird system that you'll need to get into if you want to have a good credit score

Squantoon

12. There's so many sides to this and not all of them are revealed

2003gts

The pursuit of intrinsic goals, like personal growth and relationships, leads to greater satisfaction than extrinsic goals, such as money or status. Research indicates that individuals who prioritize intrinsic values experience higher levels of well-being and resilience in the face of challenges. Research suggests that a shift in focus from traditional definitions of success to more holistic measures of life satisfaction can significantly improve mental health outcomes.

To implement this change, individuals can engage in regular reflection on their values and priorities, seeking alignment between their daily activities and intrinsic motivations. This can be supported through practices like journaling or mindfulness, which encourage self-awareness and authenticity.

Understanding the role of social comparison can help individuals navigate these misleading narratives.

13. There are a lot of people who take elevators to the top to cheat those using ladders

UKS1977

14. The concept of success really varies in circumstances

Steamshipper

15. When they say they're tired of their jobs versus what they really meant

fiveMagicsRIP

The myth that using eco-friendly practices, such as avoiding plastic straws, singlehandedly combats climate change can lead to a false sense of accomplishment. A review of environmental behavior research indicates that while individual actions are important, systemic changes are crucial to addressing global challenges (Kollmuss & Agyeman, 2002). This highlights the psychological concept of the "drop in the bucket" effect, where individuals may feel overwhelmed by the scale of environmental issues, leading to apathy rather than action. To combat this, community engagement and collective action can empower individuals, fostering a sense of agency and motivating larger systemic changes towards sustainability.

This is similar to the AITA fight over lending an uncle money for his bakery, despite family pressure.

That one is a lot bigger than a straw.

Research from Stanford University emphasizes that adopting a mindset focused on learning and personal growth, rather than fixed outcomes, can enhance resilience and overall life satisfaction.

16. Again with the advice of working your way to the top, if you think you deserve a higher pay then try to demand it

thrownawaybyubefore

17. It gets dangerous when it's mixed with recklessness

TwoAmoebasHugging

18. Nothing trickles, it stays there with them and leaves squat for the rest

usafmsc

This finding is particularly relevant for younger generations who may feel pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of success.

To foster a growth mindset, educators and parents can encourage a focus on effort rather than innate talent, praising persistence and learning from failure instead of merely celebrating achievements. This approach not only builds resilience but also prepares individuals for the inevitable obstacles they will face in their careers.

Practicing self-compassion is another effective strategy for overcoming the detrimental effects of societal myths.

19. And if they grease enough hands then those would turn a blind eye to the crimes

ttnl35

20. Mistakes from past generations can easily catch up with present ones

CrieDeCoeur

21. Money can also make you comfortable enough that you don't have to worry while looking for happiness

[deleted]

The idea that one must conform to societal timelines, such as marriage or buying a house by a certain age, can create undue pressure and anxiety. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in the current generation, where the expectation to achieve by a certain age can overshadow personal timelines and desires. Encouraging open discussions about alternative life paths and celebrating diverse definitions of success can help mitigate these pressures.

That pressure does not disappear just because people keep repeating it.

Participating in discussions about societal myths can create awareness and foster critical thinking.

22. The healthcare system had been compared with numerous other countries and it just gets worst

iteraco

23. If that's your dream and you can do it, good for you but it's not all that for other people

elegantloba

24. Unfortunately, cheaters are getting braver and it's getting easy for them to screw over others

Grenuille

Social media plays a significant role in perpetuating unrealistic standards and narratives about success and happiness. The curated nature of social media often leads to a distorted view of reality, where individuals compare their everyday lives to the highlight reels of others. Engaging in digital detoxes and fostering real-life connections can also help individuals maintain a more balanced perspective on success and happiness.

Developing personal values and defining success on one's own terms can be liberating.

Reflecting on values and aspirations rather than relying on external definitions of success can lead to greater fulfillment and authenticity in life choices.

25. You'll just end up with an upset stomach sooner or later

tamlynn88

26. When most of the once in a lifetime event are bad ones

One-Two3214

27. At this point, anything can happen and you never know when a crash would happen again

NaFeinnise

The belief that happiness is a destination rather than a process can lead to chronic dissatisfaction and anxiety.

That is the part people keep learning the hard way.

For those struggling with the pressures of societal expectations, seeking professional support can be beneficial.

Therapy can provide a safe space to explore feelings of inadequacy and develop coping strategies.

28. *checks how many hours have passed since 5pm*

[deleted]

29. There's a sort of collective entitlement that creates clashes with current generations

Bizarre_Protuberance

30. A bad economy means hussle is for life

jones_ro

31. Pick two and survive with those because trying to have all of them is simply a struggle

Prestigious-Owl-6397

You’ll inevitably go through life with a lot of people surrounding you, telling you their different opinions. And they might be useful, but as an adult, you’ll get the choice to decide for yourself and see if their advice is worth trying.

The old generations are very keen on proving that they know what’s best since they’ve already gone through life more than the newer generations. Them being right is not a solid thing, as proven by these lies.

That is the real takeaway here.

The narrative emphasizes that the traditional belief that obtaining a degree guarantees a prosperous life may not hold true for everyone. Instead, individuals are encouraged to cultivate a healthy mindset, engage in open community discussions, and seek out support systems. This approach can empower people to break free from the restrictive lies imposed by previous generations and create a more authentic and fulfilling life experience.

The article highlights the detrimental myths about success and happiness that have been ingrained in younger generations.

Still feel pressured to bankroll family risk, read about refusing to lend your sister money for a risky investment.