We’re probably not going to save the world, right?
No, I mean — really.
Democracy is under threat (or in retreat) across the world. Troops are piling up at the Ukrainian boarder. Opportunity to build economic stability is scarce.
Climate change.
On balance of probabilities, saving the world isn’t likely.
But we’re going to try.
One of the most noble human urges is the one that drives us to want to improve upon the world. Everyone’s got their own specific focus when it comes to improvement. Maybe it’s technology, or science, or human flourishing, or your parent’s small business. No matter the domain, there’s this drive amongst human beings to leave the world better than how we found it.
It’s awesome. Even redeeming.
Sometimes, though, I worry I won’t be able to. How do you pick up these broken pieces and turn them into a vehicle for progress and kindness?
This worry manifests in a question that I’ve talked about a lot with my peers:
Should I bring a child into this world?
Our urge to improve upon the world is usually outgunned by our urge to reproduce — so I suspect those questions will fade into whispers as we approach our child-rearing years.
But it’s a real question.
Can we leave the world better for our children? Can we even make it ok for our children?
My parents spent their lives trying to make the world better for my brother and I. They worked in the social change space their whole careers: pushing for progress on fronts that matter. I’m so thankful for everything they (and their peers) have done to set the stage for doing good. It’s amazing.
But sometimes they get a bit down about the state of the world. They might even apologize for handing it to me this way.
So, to assure myself and deflect unnecessary apologies from my parents, I have a speech I give. Or, at least, a sentiment I express:
The young people I meet every day are brilliant. They care about the world so deeply. The creativity that they bring to saving the world is boundless + inspiring.
Are we depressed and stressed? Often. We’re guinea pigs for rapid technological change and we’re the last hope for the planet. That’d mess anyone up. We’re also ready to shoulder that responsibility. If we’re the last hope, we’re a bright one. We know who we are and what we’re here to do.
Young people aren’t here to sit still or stand back. We’re here to save the world.
Nice to meet you.
