At several places in the book it's mentioned that young people are the ones pushing for change, and we've seen that today as well. Why do you suppose that is?

At several places in the book it's mentioned that young people are the ones pushing for change, and we've seen that today as well. Why do you suppose that is?

Hmm - that is a great question. I think young people push for change because, by and large, they have less to lose than older people. The "normal" for young people isn't as set as it is for older people so they can step back and see what needs to be changed.

I remember as a young person pushing for change. Sit ins against the Vietnam War case in point. Today, as an older adult I think you learn to accept more and are less inclined to get involved. Quite frankly when I yearn for change I look to the college kids to stir things up, and they usually do.

Young people are more idealistic, less cynical, and have more energy to fight for change as compared to more mature folks. Also, I believe that millennials and Gen Z ers (also known as the Entitled Generation) tend to be more adamant about what they want and what they will and will not tolerate.

Young people have the ideals, innocence, and energy to push for change. It’s fun and exciting when you’re young to be part of a larger group with a specific cause. I know when I was younger I didn’t always look at all sides of an issue or necessarily question the idea/issues I was supporting beyond how it impacted me or supported my current belief's or interests.

Although I do agree young people have less to lose, I also think some of the young look to the future..what they want the world to be like when they are older. We soon realize that as we get older, we maybe missed the mark with our “younger thinking”. Innocence being carefree, less idealistic…maybe that’s what drives the youth.

I think they have more to lose. They have longer to live and are probably not as jaded as us old folks. I see that now with climate change and gun control and how most of the people pushing for it are younger. Their lives are at stake.

I agree with ALL the posts above, especially Lauriel mentioning the energy part. I was the same age as America in the book!😁

It takes a motivated, special and confident young person with bravado, foresight, and courage to make societal changes. My hat is off to young people who are fighting for gun laws being changed, climate change, and humanitarian issues.

One of the motivations that inspires young people is desire of comradeship with their friends and peers. However, this motivation is for the moment and can inspire change but they have not always thought out the details for a long term solution in a more constructive way because they often have family and financial responsibilities so they do participate in community sponsored activities but far less frequent violence

I think young people push more for change than older people because they have more energy and ideals. It's great that young people want to make things better. Older people get set in their ways because it works and they don't want to rock the boat.

Idealism and a greater tolerance of differences blossom in the hearts of young people who have minimum responsibilities and usually more time on their calendars than adults who are often more aware of the realistic boundaries that exist in society. If only we could harness the energy from the young adults who seek a more positive, welcoming society for individuals with the perspective that develops with age knowing that standards, rules, laws, and boundaries help to maintain a lawful environment for people. Injustice exists and must be constantly evaluated for change, but a tolerance for all is not realistic. The realization that differences exist is essential for a peaceful community, but lawlessness for the sake of any one cause is never acceptable and more often leads to corruption and greater challenges to create a peaceful co-existence of individuals living in community.

I think there is a natural rebellion at a certain age that helps each of learn what is of value, and what we cannot, or will not tolerate (when we get to the age and position to do something about it). It is all part of becoming one's own self.

Young people want to do it their way. They have alot of energy and have not been beaten up by life.

As we grow older we have so much more hitting us from all directions that we see and didn't being younger we grow tried and unfortunately can't fight anymore

I attended some protests in my youth. I remember being passionate and idealistic at the time. Now that I'm older, I feel pretty disillusioned about the ability of an individual to affect change. It seems there's so much greed and so many individuals who are completely self-centered - worried about their own jobs and standings. I see very few people in power truly working for the betterment of everyone and/or the country as a whole. I think that makes me feel like trying to change anything personally is too hard - too much of an effort. I'm tired.

Most young people haven't reached that stage yet, and I'm very happy for that. It gives me hope that so many young adults are pushing for change. They're much more concerned about issues like the environment, BLM, and gun control than us old folks! More power to 'em!

I agree with kimk. Seeing how one person can make a difference is hard. As I've grown older, my changing perspectives and values have led me to advocate for marginalized communities, some of whom were not a concern for me in my younger years. This can strain existing relationships. In the last few years, I have developed a few relationships with people less than half my age with whom I share a world view. When I expressed to them that I just don't see how I can make a difference in my remaining years, they reassured me that my input into their lives has been encouraging and motivating. They assure me that I am making a difference through them. That means a lot, as they will be here a lot longer than I will!

Idealism and passion are a benefit of youthfulness. I’m not saying we lose our passion as we get older, but I do think as we take on more responsibilities that we begin to worry more and feel like we can’t take the same risk now that we have others counting on us. We often say - “Oh, to be young again and carefree!” - for a reason. I still have hopes and dreams about the world my future grandchildren will grow up in, but I know I fight for them in a different way now in my 60s than I did in my 20s.

Change is a part of every generation. When were young, we were idealistic and had no concept of how time becomes more precious because of our added responsibilities, commitments, duties and obligations.
The younger generation has always "pushed the envelope".... moving forward, being daring and having innovative ideas surpassing the previous one.
I have not ever met a young person (myself included 50+ years ago) that wanted to do everything like my parents or grandparents did.

Young people are pushing for change to live as they want with cleaner air etc, they are innovative and are energetic.