I think prior generations seem to be less self aware than we are now, either that or they've experienced more 'wonders' of the age. I cant ever remember a story about the first time someone saw a car, a plane, a jet, the moon landings. Whereas now we seem much more willing to discuss our first computer/ mobile phone, the early internet.

Conversations with my grandad about the war were limited to stories about scorpions in boots etc. I can't imagine younger generations being so silent on the subject.