In numerous interviews and public appearances, Canadian actor James Doohan—best known for playing Montgomery "Scotty" Scott in the original Star Trek series—often expressed his admiration for younger generations. One of his most famous quotes reflected his admiration for the dispositions and skills of his successors.
Doohan's remark was based on his observations made in his later years, when he interacted with fans of all ages and attended a number of science fiction and entertainment conventions. Even though Star Trek was first released decades earlier, he observed that younger people, many of whom were born long after the show's original run, had a deep understanding and appreciation for it.
He was impressed not only by their familiarity with his work but also by the way they applied their passion to social issues and emerging technologies. Through social media and the internet, this next generation was connecting with him and with each other, forming lively, intergenerational communities around common interests.
Think of Doohan as one of the tall trees in an ancient forest, and this next generation as a young sapling growing there. Instead of overshadowing the tree, the sapling reaches for the sun, absorbing the knowledge of its elders while adding its own distinct development and viewpoint to the surrounding ecosystem. This mutually beneficial relationship between the younger and older generations is a lovely example of how each generation builds upon the groundwork established by its predecessors.
James Doohan emphasized the value of intergenerational communication in promoting creativity and understanding by promoting this respect and idea sharing between various age groups through his words and deeds.