"私たちは常に若者のために未来を築くことはできませんが、若者を未来のために準備することはできます。"

Building the future isn't a straightforward task. But there's a way we can shape it indirectly. The idea is, instead of bending over backwards trying to mold the world to fit our kids, we focus on preparing our kids to handle whatever the world throws at them. This way, regardless of the unpredictable twists and turns life might take, they'll be ready.

This way of thinking has been around for a while. It’s rooted in the wisdom that’s been passed down through generations. Think about the world post-World War II. People were eager to rebuild and create a better future. But amidst all that rebuilding, they knew they couldn’t predict every single challenge that would come up. What they could do was raise a generation capable of tackling those challenges head-on. It’s a timeless piece of advice that’s become even more relevant today with our rapidly changing world.

Let’s take a real-life example. Think about the tech industry. It’s evolved quicker than anyone could’ve predicted. We went from bulky computers to sleek smartphones in just a few decades. Imagine if our parents had tried to build a future based solely on what they knew then. They’d have been way off the mark. Instead, many of them focused on teaching us adaptability, problem-solving, and continuous learning. So when new technology emerged, we weren't thrown off. We adapted. We learned. We thrived.

Now, how do you take this wisdom and run with it? Start by focusing on core skills and values. Teach kids resilience, empathy, and critical thinking. Encourage curiosity. Let them fail and learn from it. It’s not about making life easy for them now but equipping them with the tools to handle the inevitable bumps ahead.

Imagine you’re a teacher. You’re faced with a classroom of kids who’ll navigate a future you can’t predict. You could drill them on facts that might be outdated in a decade. Or, you could inspire them to love learning, to question and explore. Maybe one day, a student who’s learned to be curious and adaptable becomes a groundbreaking scientist or an innovative entrepreneur—because they were taught how to learn, not just what to learn.

Or picture yourself as a parent. Your kid comes home upset because they didn’t make the soccer team. Instead of shielding them from that disappointment, use it as a teaching moment. Talk about dealing with setbacks, about persistence and finding other passions. This way, when they face bigger challenges later on, they’ll have the grit to push through.

In short, while we can’t script the future, we can script how our kids face it. By focusing on nurturing adaptable, thoughtful, and resilient youth, we’re setting them up for success, no matter what happens next. So, next time you’re worried about what the future holds, remember: it's not about predicting the storm but about teaching them to dance in the rain.