Learnings from Reclaiming Youth Part 1, Chapter: Loss of Purpose

This chapter starts with a quote that indicates that the millions of children are not safe physically, educationally, economically, or spiritually, stating that it is the same for those who grow up in the ghetto as for those who grow up in mansions. It states that young people cannot develop a sense of value unless they can be of value to others. Instead of being able to give to others, the focus of our culture is upon selfishness, on competition instead of coperation and caring.

The first section of this chapter discusses how children no longer work to contribute to their family but to feed their desire for material goods. Because youth have more disposable income, they are vulnerable. They can buy cars to escape the influence of parents. They can buy substances to increase their excitement or decrease their stress.

The next section is about The Misery of Unimportance. In the past, all family members were necessary for each other's survival. Now, only about 25% of youth spend 3 or more hours per month giving to another person. Because they are more focused on consumption than on geniune contribution, children can feel unimportant. The authors, contrast how we value our use of time over relationships.

The last section of this chapter is about The Depersonalization of Education, in which schools have become less personal, following the trends of business because people believe that these organizations will work better if they are driven by data and cost efficiency. Fortunately, some organizations are attempting to create positive organizational cultures based on shared values.