Some thoughts from thirty-five years of teaching 18-22 year olds and meeting students as I give lectures around the country.

1) Young people are more capable than we think. We tend to underestimate rather than overestimate their ability to grapple with intellectual challenges.

2) Many bright young men and women don’t know things we tend to assume they know. It isn't their fault. It's an indictment of our educational system and culture. But it is reality. So don’t assume they know and certainly don’t revile or ridicule them for not knowing. Teach them.

3) Young people are not, as is widely supposed, natural rebels. They are--like most human beings--natural conformists. They tend to believe what they think they're supposed to believe. Our job is to prompt them to question their beliefs; open their minds; think for themselves.