Assuming that what we think of as the “civilized world” in some form and sense survives another fifty years, one hundred years or more, what do you think young people today, who’ll comprise the progressive liberals of the coming generation, need in basic knowledge and understanding about the world of politics, economics and, more broadly, culture?
The question is posed from a primarily English-language point of view but you may respond in terms which range beyond English-speaking culture if you wish.
More particular questions, offered as prompts to further discussion of this main theme, follow below.
What knowledge and understanding about their world, the political and economic parts of their society and, more generally, their culture and what it ought to contain, should young people today seek if they’re to help make up the next generation of liberals?
As we’re here, I suppose, not only to argue and debate but, also, to learn from each other, I pose the question to solicit your thoughts.
Some follow-up questions for greater detail:
What particular books, if any, should they not fail to read and know well?
What specific ideas are essential for their understanding of what (should, in your views) constitute liberal ideals and principles?
How well does contemporary public education do in imparting these to high school and college students?
If the schools aren’t doing a satisfactory job, where else can a youth look to learn what it means today, has meant in the past and should again mean to be a “liberal”?
Are these useful questions to consider, in your opinion, or are they irrelevant to how today’s young people become tomorrow’s liberals?
If current trends continue, what do imagine the world will look like in fifty years? In one hundred years?
Will a liberal/conservative political dichotomy still be a valid conception?
Weigh in, if you wish.
