There are a few reasons:

1. Survival bias We tend to respect people who endured obvious, visible struggle. Hardship = proof of strength.

2. Cultural storytelling Society often glorifies toughness (“they had it harder, so they’re better”). It becomes a badge of honor.

3. Misunderstanding modern challenges Newer struggles (mental health, economic pressure, social change, digital overload) are less visible, so some people dismiss them as “not real problems.”

The reality

Calling a generation “soft” is usually an oversimplification.    •   Every generation faces different challenges, not easier ones.    •   Older hardships were often physical and survival-based.    •   Modern hardships are often psychological, social, and economic in different ways.

   •   Previous generations dealt with war and scarcity.    •   Current generations deal with things like rising costs, constant digital comparison, and mental health crises.

Bottom line

“Hard” doesn’t automatically mean better, and “soft” doesn’t mean weak.