I don't know if my generation is more concerned with experiences, rather than material things. I have plenty of friends who strive to get a house of their own, a car and such things :/ The age of consumerism is making its mark on us.
For their 18 birthdays, my friends wanted the coolest phones that were on the market - Samsung whatever and the latest Iphone - and that's what they got. I went to London to see one of the last Black Sabbath shows ever. Experiences over things, all the way, I just think there are materialistic people and less materialistic people in my generation, same as any.
That being said, wonderful post, Eric. I agree 100% that it's a great time to be alive.