- “Family stories are vital to the well-being of a family and need to be told time and time again. They provide a view of the family’s history and send a message to the children, in-laws, and grandchildren that they belong and that their family is unique. The next generation gains a sense of the vital “differentness” of their family. Moreover, one reason for the proverb “shirtsleeves-to-shirtsleeves in three generations” being true is that the individuals in the third and fourth generations often have no connection to the source of the family’s financial wealth. They have no idea what it took to create the money they must now steward. Family stories keep that connection alive for many generations.” Wealth in Families Third Edition (Charles W. Collier) Page 82