The basic characteristics of Generation NeXt—motivated by a search for new experiences and treated with suspicion by its elders—are not new. Just about every generation has been described in exactly the same way, and differing points of view often create friction.
Older, often industrial urban areas are being transformed into cool, hip enclaves in scores of cities. Young educated professionals, largely single, childless, and sometimes gay, are moving into these upscale neighborhoods.
Experience is an active participation in events or activities, leading to the accumulation of useful knowledge and skills. But young persons have a problem—with limited life experience, seeing the larger picture can be a challenge.
Brain Bites are “now and then” updates regarding trends, statistics, and interesting info-bites in personal economics. These tasty tidbits help maintain your edge over an unpredictable future. Think of them as cerebral snacks for the hungry mind!
Young persons like to think they have less bias than their parents, but in fact they are simply bigoted about different things. Many are down on fat people, smokers, and people who drive Humvees, for example, rather than race or sexual orientation.
Many teenagers underestimate the impact that random events can have on their lives because they believe that warnings apply only to other people. They rationalize behaviors by saying “I know the risk but it won’t happen to me.”
Adam Smith (1723–1790) was a brilliant, if not eccentric, Scottish economist, philosopher, and psychologist all rolled into one. Smith explained why, despite our selfish feelings, an internal voice helps us be more sensitive to the needs of others.
For better or for worse, your spouse or significant other will likely affect almost every aspect of your life. Failing to think seriously when making this important life-choice can put your future happiness at risk.
Eighty-five percent of parents see one path to success for their kids—go to college to earn a bachelor’s degree. Yet, while 70% of high-school graduates will follow that path, only about 30% will earn a degree ten years later.
The Western concept of genie comes from the tale of Aladdin in the Arabian Nights. Aladdin frees a genie from his imprisonment in a lamp, who then grants wishes in return. The unintended consequences are expressed in the adage, “Be careful what you wish for.”
