The future of the world belongs to the youth of the world, and it

"The future of the world belongs to the youth of the world, and it is from the youth and not from the old that the fire of life will warm and enlighten the world. It is your privilege to breathe the breath of life into the dry bones of many around you." These words, spoken by Tom Mann, echo with the timeless call to youth, the vibrant force that propels the future. They speak not just of the potential of young people, but of the responsibility they carry—to infuse the world with life, to carry the flame of progress, and to revitalize that which is stagnant. Mann's words remind us that the true spirit of transformation does not lie in tradition or the past but in the new energy and the vision that only the youth can bring.

Throughout ancient history, the young have been the architects of change. In ancient Greece, the idea of philosophical education was rooted in the belief that young minds were the vessels into which the wisdom of the gods and the ancestors could be poured. Socrates and Plato recognized the immense power of the youth, guiding them to question, to challenge, and to shape the world with their unique perspective. In the Roman Empire, emperors like Julius Caesar and Augustus came to power in their youth, bringing with them bold ideas that reshaped the destiny of nations. The ancients knew well that youth carried the torch of future growth, and it was in the hands of the young that the fate of civilizations rested.

Consider the French Revolution, a historical moment that was sparked by the passionate energy of the young, the students and peasants who rose up against the oppression of the old guard. It was the voices of youth that cried for liberty, equality, and fraternity—ideas that would transform the world and inspire countless movements for justice and freedom. The revolution was not driven by the old, who clung to their privileges, but by the young, who dared to envision a world different from the one they inherited. This pivotal moment in history demonstrates how the youth, when given voice and agency, can be the catalyst for sweeping change.

The power of youth does not lie only in their energy and passion, but in their vision—a vision that is often unclouded by the limitations of the past. Tom Mann's reference to the "dry bones" is a powerful image. It speaks to the deadness of old ideas, the stagnation that can arise when we become too attached to what has been. But it is the youth—with their fresh eyes, their ability to dream and reimagine, who breathe new life into a world that risks becoming stale. Just as the sun rises every morning, bringing light and warmth to the earth, so does the youth bring new hope and possibility to the world.

Mann’s words challenge us not just to acknowledge the potential of youth but to celebrate it. We must give space for the young to grow, to lead, and to innovate. The ancient Romans had a saying, "Carpe Diem", which means "Seize the Day." While this call is often interpreted as living in the moment, it also speaks to the youthful spirit—the understanding that each day is a chance to make a lasting impact on the future. The youth must seize the opportunities that lie ahead, for they are the ones who will inherit the world and carry the torch forward.

The lesson to be drawn from Mann's statement is one of empowerment and action. If you are young, embrace the fire within you, for you are the force that can change the world. Do not wait for the world to tell you what you should be; instead, use your energy to craft the future you wish to see. Whether in politics, art, or science, it is the young minds who will transform society. But the fire of the future requires more than just dreams—it requires action, creativity, and the willingness to take risks.

For those who are no longer young, the message is equally important. Support the youth, but do not try to hold them back with the weight of the past. The role of the elder is to guide, to share wisdom, and to offer a hand to the next generation, but not to stifle their growth with fear or doubt. The future depends on the collaboration between the wisdom of the old and the passion of the young. Encourage the youth, breathe life into their ideas, and together, you can create a world that is not bound by the mistakes of the past but driven by the endless possibilities of the future.

Let us take action by recognizing the power of youth, not just as a stage in life, but as a driving force in the continual evolution of society. Embrace your role in shaping the future, whether by empowering those who come after you or by stepping into your own potential. The future is not a distant place that we must wait for—it is here and now, and it is the youth who will shape it. Let us honor their energy, vision, and potential, and help them breathe life into the world around us. The future belongs to the youth, and in their hands, we place our greatest hope for a better tomorrow.