Optimism and Young People

The Honourable Gabrielle Williams MP

"What makes me optimistic is our younger generation - a generation passionate about driving change, a generation committed to leaving the place better than they found it."

Paul Polman, then CEO of Unilever

“The future lies in the hands of the younger generation and that gives me huge cause for optimism.  Wherever I go in the world, the young people I meet are engaged with the issues and challenges we face and focussed on finding solutions.  Above all, they are driven by a deep sense of purpose.  They may only represent 50% of today, but fortunately young people are 100% of tomorrow, and that is reason to celebrate.”

Ramon Cruz Diaz, President of the Board of Directors, Sierra Club

 “For me, a big source of optimism is the new generation – how clear they see things and how I really hope that when they take command of things, they’re much more aware of what is happening, especially, when it comes from the developed countries, to be much more aware of their responsibilities towards the most vulnerable ones.”

Maree Timms, Robotics Teacher

"Working with young people makes me optimistic. I never underestimate their drive, passion and tenacity when it comes to solving problems. The future is in good hands."

Susie Ho, Associate Dean (International) in the Monash University Faculty of Science

 "I am optimistic about a positive and sustainable future for everyone because of young people and young leaders. I passionately believe they have the vision, ingenuity, creativity, and boundary-spanning capacity to address complex problems of this time."

Erin Faehrmann, Chief Executive at Youth Opportunities

 "What makes me optimistic? Seeing the shy, modest pride in the eyes of a young person as they take on a challenge to step outside their comfort zone and realise they have the potential to do better and be greater than they had ever imagined!"

Adriano di Prato, Founding Partner at a School for tomorrow

“What makes me optimistic? Each generation of young people over my educational journey has reminded me that love is a verb. They continue to provide me with much oxygen and hope of our collective possibility as we navigate an unknown future.

“We should never forget that each young person in our care is home to a life. We need to honour this truth and embrace the privilege and price of giving their life the breath of abundant living.”

Ryan Bowler, Drama Teacher

“I am optimistic about the future that our younger citizens will shape because I see their optimism and hope on a daily basis."

Professor Raja Guha Thakurta, Astronomer at the UCO/Lick Observatory

 “My optimism arises from the tremendous qualities I see in the young people I interact with. They are intelligent, passionate, motivated, hardworking, dedicated, ... ... they are capable of rising to meet any and every challenge. Our generation of adults has a responsibility of engaging youth in our work, sharing our passion and vision with them, and, equally importantly, learning about their passion and vision. It is clear to me that the future is in very good hands. We adults simply need to work with youth today to ensure that tomorrow's handover is a smooth one.”

Stuart Allinson, Board Member, Climate Change Authority

"I am continually impressed by this generation's ability to filter a vast amount of data, remove the noise and focus on the things that matter. Our generation had far fewer degrees of freedom to triangulate.  The inter-generational constant is "glass half full vs glass half empty. Optimistic people are no more or less lucky than the rest of the population - they are more open to the possibilities that occur every day."

Sherilyn Hansen

“I am optimistic for the future because of the strength of character and commitment in young people. They are passionate, driven to create change but not at all costs - they will find the balance between economic good and social good and have a range of technology tools they have grown up with to help them get achieve their vision.”

Vivien Gardiner, MD, Erase Aesthetic Services Group

"The case for optimism lies in the young people of today, who are internet natives. They are not so bound, as their parents have been, by class, education, nationality, tradition. Their worldview and opportunities are expanded and their future, while challenging, is not so constrained by limited physical and social environments. Their communities cross many boundaries.  They are cognisant of their own agency and of their "horizontal brotherhood". They have a heightened awareness of power structures and know how to avoid them if they choose to. Future adults will be more solutions-focused. They know the status quo isn't always to their benefit and that they have the power to resist it.”

Michelle Obama

“I’m optimistic about the future. There are some bright young people out there doing some amazing things.  This is why I’m not going to run for president. Because I think it’s a better investment to invest in creating thousands of mes.”

Lesley Podesta, then CEO of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation

“My optimism comes from the fact that we have the smartest, most educated generations coming up behind us and there is great contest of ideas and exciting growth and innovation from the growing middle classes in Asia and Africa.  Borders mean something different to our children and the idea of the “ global citizen” is not theoretical anymore. I love that this change has largely been implemented without war or bloodshed but through ideas and communication.”

Bronwyn Leigh Jones, President, Coral Sustainable Services

“I am optimistic that our youth will nurture our planet back to good health. I am optimistic that our earth is surely in good hands with these bright, courageous souls guiding its evolution now and for the future.”

Barrie Thomson, feasts and fables

 "What makes me optimistic? The spirit, curiosity and activism of young people make me optimistic."

Professor Lea Waters, Gerry Higgins Chair in Positive Psychology at the University of Melbourne

 “Optimism is the most important psychological ingredient we can cultivate in our children. It is the secret weapon of strength-based parenting.”

Keri Pratt

 "Effective leadership is knowing when to listen and when to act and constantly fine-tuning the two. I am optimistic that this balance is achievable and that there are many younger people who display this understanding."

Michele Borba, Educational Psychologist

 "Optimistic kids view challenges and obstacles as temporary and able to be overcome, so they are more likely to succeed.

"But there is a dramatically opposing view: pessimism. Children who are pessimistic see challenges as permanent, like cement blocks that are impossible to move, and so they are more likely to quit.

"Teaching children optimism begins with us. Kids adopt our words as their inner voices, so over the next few days, tune in to your typical messages and assess the outlook you offer your kids."

Matthew Guy, Leader of the Liberal Party in the Victorian Parliament

 “I’m very optimistic because I see Australian kids are vastly smarter, vastly more confident and vastly more ingenious than any generation we've ever seen. We should be confident about these young people and their ability to lead Australia better and differently in the decades ahead. I don't think my children's generation will be a pale imitation of mine or my parents' generation. I reckon they'll be something completely different. That's exciting!”

Richard Paterson in "I believe in our youth"

"I have a huge heart of optimism about the future of our young people. I am impressed, and I honour them. We get to choose our perception of the emerging generations. I have made my decision. Have you?"

Dr Toni Meath, Principal of Melbourne Girls Grammar

“Schools are natural centres of optimism. Nothing can quite compare to the buzz and hum of a school in action. They are places where minds of all ages come together with hope and informed optimism to make positive change. In schools you will find a remarkable sense of fun, optimism and joy; it goes with the territory of children and young people.”

Tim Entwisle, Director and Chief Executive of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

“What makes me optimistic?  It’s a close call. Sitting beside my five-year-old grandson as he wakes in the morning light or planting a tree. Both are long-term investments in hope and optimism.”

Kurt Ela, clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, and associate professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

"Spending time with the next generation makes me optimistic!"