The Challenge Of Youth
One of the world’s most vibrant and challenged groups is today’s youth. According to the 1970 census, in the United States alone, nearly one-half of the population is under twenty-five years of age. And more than ha If of that number – over fifty-six million – are between the ages of ten and twenty-five.
These young people, and other young people throughout the world, are developing the character of tomorrow’s generation. They have a great challenge, which carries with it a great responsibility – a responsibility to all the inhabitants of the earth. Youth must not only seek new ideas but seek also guidance from those who have acquired the wisdom of years.
And it is important that all young people everywhere know that they are children of a living God, of a Father who dwells in the heavens; who loves and trusts them with the great responsibilities that are theirs and offers them the direction they need to carry out their assignments.
Youth has always been challenged to improve old ways and find new methods, and the challenge has multiplied with each new generation. Today there are more opportunities of greater consequence than ever before. Tomorrow there will be even more.
Occasionally, young people are reckless in discharging their duties. They often procrastinate because to them there is always enough time tomorrow. Perhaps this is why there are those who are our elders to teach temperance and the virtue of being industrious.
Joseph Conrad said: “I remember my youth and the feeling that … I could last for ever, outlast the sea, the earth, and all men.” 1 In a way that is true. The eternities will make our youth last forever, but the clock of mortality ticks on and we must not let the opportunities of this age escape.
And so, a tribute today to youth, to those who are meeting their challenge. May they always know they are loved and needed. And to all who have passed through those cherished days, or who might still be there in one way or another, let us remember that there is nothing quite as sweet as youth.
1Joseph Conrad, Youth, 1903
June 25, 1972
Broadcast Number 2,231