The Future is Young

Preface

Most strikingly, perhaps, humanity has more tools in its hands to address those challenges than ever before. We have progressively developed technologies to produce renewable energies. We have created new modes of travel and new ways of exchanging goods and services across the planet. People and ideas have been crossing borders, trading knowledge, and imagining the future together. We have expanded our capacity to express our feelings in music and other forms of art, and to disseminate them globally. Social networks have given younger generations the ability to share their observations, views and feelings in ‘real time’. And within decades, space travel is expected to be an ordinary part of our lives. Against this backdrop, I am often surprised when younger people feel pessimistic about the future. Yet, this is what we see: young ‘digital natives’ often spend more time on their smart phones than interacting with their neighbours, with fellow students or fellow workers. Many do not vote. Some have become allergic to hierarchies, organizations, and sometimes to science, evidence, and progress. On the other hand, I admire how many young people believe in the importance and possibility to live better lives and contribute to society based on values rather than profit. As I have from the beginning of my career, they are determined to make the world a better place. In my life and in my work, through success and failure, I have met countless brilliant and value-driven young people. Many confirmed my deep belief that, when given a chance, everyone can growand succeed based on their own talents. But I also drew another lesson from these encounters: those with enthusiasm and optimism have a greater chance of realizing their dreams. Every talent (however hidden or embryonic) deserves an ambition. Ambition guides talent, and enthusiasm and optimism make the ride enjoyable and creative. There are many ways to define success, but in my view two components are essential: the extent to which you have managed to make people’s lives better, and the fun you’ve had and shared along the way.

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