This is the kind of experiments that have so many variables that the outcome is hard to calculate. For example, if you could put one kid from every generation the results would be different and wouldn't determine anything good or wrong regarding the kids or their decisions, but would only give you details about the environment they were in and also the scarcity of food and education facing that situation.
Imagine having a kid that lived and grew up on WW1 or WW2 without knowing if they would have food for the next day. Now put him near a generation Z from our days when food is not a concern in developed countries.
The choice they would make would be totally different. Independently of the results, no one would be right or wrong. Different environments will always have different outcomes and more than questioning that or try everything to isolate all the possible variables. We should embrace all that randomness that makes humans so distinct and unique.
We should teach people how to develop skills. My opinion.
If you read the study these were not starving kids.
No where did I say those kids were bad kids. They just were lacking a skill set. It is a skill set I also grew up lacking. Although I am at peace with my past, I do wish someone would have recognized that was important and taught me those things.
If I born in a hunter tribe I sure hope someone would have taught me how to hunt.
I agree with you. Usually, that is a hard topic since is not convenient to have many people asking questions or trying to make a change. Governments, for example, praise for poor education for that same reason. To make people knowledge and skills limited to better control outcomes to their favor and don't have so much fight back from society.
When I gave the example of ww children alongside the new generation in the same room. It would be another different kind of experience and not focus on this one. Since it would deal with other important questions as well.
The good thing about this experience, in particular, is that from the beginning the kids know there is no wrong or right decision. So they have free will. The battle is much more in terms of 'instant gratification' (a very present issue in our society nowadays) or bet in the long run strategy.
I think in a hunter tribe they would teach you, but the positive is that even if you didn't fit for that task you wouldn't be put aside for that. They usually would try to find out what are you good at to also contribute to the tribe with those skills. How good is a hunter tribe if no one knows how to make a good or sharper tool? Strategy and gather food for long winters... Everyone has a place in the tribe and sometimes what makes you different from the rest can be the best weapon to thrive in those situations.
I agree as well. No one suggested putting anyone aside.
I think the point is that those who can delay gratification report better results among many different measures. We should accept that and teach these skills.
Some girls who don't know how to control emotions get pregnant. Boys that don't know how get girls pregnant or worse.
They drink too much, spend too much, call in sick for work, fail classes.
I'm using extreme examples, while I don't want to kick these people out of society, I want to find them and try to teach them.