In recent generations, the desire to be self-sufficient and independent has encouraged many young Americans to deliberately avoid their parents’ profession. Unfortunately, that’s often led to the decline of technical skills, useful trades, and the closure of small businesses.
In past centuries, many Americans embraced the vocations of their parents and grandparents, not just because it was the family trade but because their relatives’ passion genuinely inspired them. Early American artist Rosalba Peale followed in the footsteps of her acclaimed father and grandfather to become a successful painter.
