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The 10 Commandments of European Youth

Doing some catch up reading and saw this over on Ypulse and it caught my eye. I instantly wondered how our American Gen Y'ers would answer on this exercise done by YOUTHTOPIA. To save you a click over to Ypulse, here's the main excerpt. they wrote: "Below, with their permission, I share one interesting exercise that asked 100 European youths to "challenge, criticise and collectively re-write ‘The 10 Commandments’" as a way of illustrating generational shifts in values. The results paint more than a flattering self-portrait of this generation  as an aspirational model for society — one that tellingly promotes accountability, positivity and passion above all else. Here's what I mean …. The Ten Commandments of Youth 1. Have faith in yourself. 2. Respect your parents. 3. Be honest. 4. Take responsibility for your own life. 5. Live life to the fullest and be passionate. 6. Keep your promises. 7. Work hard to succeed but not to the detriment of others. 8. Be tolerant of others’ differences. 9. Be happy and optimistic, even in adversity. 10. Create, don’t destroy. A few recurring themes… Survival Instincts Gen Y the world over catches a lot of flak for participation trophies (or whatever the equivalent would be in Europe), but what type of attitude would we see young people taking towards that fine mess that is the global economic crisis if it weren't for those regular boosts of self-confidence? Here, we not only see a determination to persevere, but an emphasis on doing so responsibly and while remaining positive and productive. "I believe you have to make your own success whatever your circumstances." Jennie, 24 UK R-E-S-P-E-C-T Unless you really haven't been paying attention, you know how close this generation is with mom and dad (and increasingly grandparents as well). A much less recent development in European cultures, it undoubtedly has been a factor in the premium we see here on collaboration, fair play and honesty (hint: they expect the same standards from brands)."