Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves in Three Generations

You may have heard the old proverb, “Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations.” In Japan, the expression goes, “Rice paddies to rice paddies in three generations.” The Scottish say “The father buys, the son builds, the grandchild sells, and his son begs.” In China, “Wealth never survives three generations.”

Around the world there are many variations on this circle, all describing the tendency of third generation to squander the wealth obtained by the first and second generations.

The Three Generation Cycle

The First Generation, born into a life of hardship, is determined to have a better future. They are wiling to work hard and make the sacrifices necessary to achieve their dream. In time, their efforts pay off, often with assets to pass on.

Their children, the Second Generation, grow up a witness to their parents’ struggle and understand the importance of hard work. Although they live a more comfortable lifestyle, they may still remember a childhood filled with frugality. Because of this awareness, they make financial and educational choices that help them build upon the foundation their parents worked so hard to lay. By their later years, the second generation has acquired even greater wealth.

The Third Generation has no memory of want or struggle. They only know a life of plenty and often lack an understanding of and appreciation for the work that went into building the lifestyle they now enjoy. It is this third generation that is known to squander the wealth their parents and grandparents worked to build.

Avoiding the Three Generation Cycle

By keeping family stories and history alive, younger generations are better able to understand their parents and grandparents contributions as well as the work needed to build and maintain family wealth. For families facing the Three Generations cycle, cultivating an awareness of the past will strengthen any strategy for the future.

~ Legacy Videos ~

Give your parent or grandparent the gift of a lifetime by capturing their life story for your family to know.

Here at Family Tree Video we produce Legacy Videos, modern-day memoirs that weave a filmed interview with a parent or grandparent together with family photos, documents, maps and other memorabilia. The result is a beautiful “moving portrait” capturing your loved one sharing life stories, family history and life lessons – a gift your family will cherish for generations to come.

To learn more about capturing your parent or grandparent’s life story in a Legacy Video, visit us at FamilyTreeVideo.com.

Learn More

Family Tree Video LLC
Legacy Video Production
(312) 402-6406

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Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves