On Purpose Before Twenty

Book excerpt: For educators and general readers, this important, lively and readable book tells a different story of youth. Clinical psychologist Adam Cox - author of Boys of Few Words and No Mind Left Behind - draws upon clinical practice and groundbreaking global research to offer a compelling new narrative about childhood priorities, adolescent angst and the work of schools. He declares these topics to be worthy of serious consideration, and children as fascinating and complex as any other age group with respect to their attitudes and understanding of what a good and purposeful life implies. Current social and economic trends reflect a time of deep transition in our personal values, career trajectories, and social imperatives. Young people's lives are radically shifting in response to new technologies, politics, and changing environmental realities. Cox asserts it is critical to re-examine basic questions - What is living well? Why do we work? How do we find meaning and purpose in vocation? How do we raise and teach children to be effective citizens? What does best-selling literature tell us about how to raise kids? Clearheaded, provocative, and compassionate, On Purpose Before Twenty presents a series of readable, practical essays: The Purpose of Work, Sovereign Minds, The Case for Boredom, On Monstrous Children, Being Harry Potter, and School as Wisdom Culture. It offers a roadmap for primary and secondary schools seeking to provide an education relevant to the concerns and priorities of youth. The book asks what are schools for, and discusses whether ADHD is the new normal. Most important, the book addresses how the next generation is radically different in terms of motivation, communication, and vocational perspectives. Cox suggests that knowing one's purpose is as important as a good education and loving parents. His book echoes a fundamental belief that our serious regard for the potential of young people makes the world a more welcoming place for them. It is as much an essential form of stewardship as protecting forests, and creatures living on the brink of extinction.