Fast Future: How the Millennial Generation Is Shaping Our World

by David D. Burstein

A millennial examines how his generation is profoundly impacting politics, business, media, and activism They’ve been called trophy kids, entitled, narcissistic, the worst employees in history, and even the dumbest generation. But, argues David Burstein, the millennial generation’s unique blend of civic idealism and savvy pragmatism will enable us to overcome a deeply divided nation facing economic and environmental calamities. With eighty-million millennials (people who are today eighteen to thirty years old) coming of age and emerging as leaders, this is the largest generation in U.S. history, and, by 2020, its members will represent one out of every three adults. They are more ethnically and racially diverse than their elders and have begun their careers at a time when the recession has set back the job market. Yet they remain optimistic about their future and are deeply connected to one another. Drawing on extensive interviews with his millennial peers and compelling new research , Burstein illustrates how his generation is simultaneously shaping and being shaped by a fast-paced and fast-changing world. Part oral history, part social documentary, Fast Future reveals the impact and story of the millennial generation—in its own words.

Genres: Sociology, Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Kirsten T]

Didn't finish.
Got tired of the outdated material (granted it was written in 2013 so of course it was), the obvious political one-sidedness, and reading "Millennials are....fill in the blank" and thinking to myself "ummm, no." Many of the statements didn't apply to my feelings and the feel I get in general from Millennials. Burstein in one part talks about how fast the world is changing, and perhaps that's why I feel like this book does not have a place in defining Millennials anymore.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is being reviewed as a part of the GoodReads Firstreads program.

From Beacon Press:

"It has been said of the millenial generation that they are spoiled by technology, coddled by parents and educational institutions, lazy in the workplace, and disengaged from social and political movements. ... The effects of this generation's pragmatic idealism can already be seen throughout the world, from the founding of socially-minded businesses in America to political activism across the Middle East. Fast Future documents the new mindset and growing contributions of millenials as Burstein attempts to separate his generation from their bad reputation and position them as change makers and innovators. The book looks toward what can happen if 1.7 billion young people set their minds to a positive, more sustainable future."

Burstein starts his book with the chapter, "Pragmatic Idealists." Being a few years older than what he considers the millenial generation, I have to admit that I did not see this generation in this way. I did not "necessarily" think of this generation as being lazy (although I would say I leaned in that direction), but after reading this book I have had a shift in my thinking! The term "pragmatic idealist" serves this generation well.

Burstein states, "While there were moments in the '60s and in other eras when pragmatism and idealism were combined and balanced, they have not been fused together in the prevailing mindset within a rising generation until now... We (the millenials) know that, in order to effect change on issues we care about, we have to master the workings of our society's existing institutions." He goes on to say that while sit-ins and other rally cries may have been appropriate for other generations, the millenials want to actually create the difference in the issues they care most about, and with the aide of technology, it is easier than ever to research how to do just this.

Also, with the aide of technology, it became easier to promote your platform, become a leader, and quickly evoke real change.

This book gave me concrete ideas on why the millenials are not the lazy, technology-driven generation that their reputation has stated- instead, they use technology as a TOOL and are able to create and bring about their ideas to fruition in a way that no other generation before has been able to.

Great read for those who want to understand this generation in a deeper way- however, those not open to the idea would probably not read this book unless it was required reading (and I think in business especially, it should be).

[Merredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free to review, but it's most certainly one I would have wanted to read anyway. Technically, at 34, I am a couple years older than the millennial generation, but generation x goes for a long time, and I'm certainly not in that. Their ideals don't match mine at all, and all of the millennial ones match mine exactly. I was so excited as i was saying everything I always say and think. Yes, as I read the book, I was excitedly pointing out excerpts to my millennial friends and coworkers. I promised the book to one of my coworkers once i was done reviewing it. I even posted a couple of Burstein's quotes online and one is up at work. I've always been aware of the gap between the older generation and mine. Some of the 'older generation' being people i know who are just one or two years older than me. What i had not been aware of was that some people think of our generation as lazy. What?? That's crazy. However the one fault i found with this book, which clearly, i loved, was that the author spent a little too much time on the critics and refuting them, which came across a little too much protesting in his responses. I understand what he's saying, but i can see where someone of another generation would dismiss what he's saying for the way he's saying it. Otherwise, it's awesome. I also liked how all of the examples were so recent and pertinent to what's going on right now. This is one fresh book! I'm going to be putting up a longer review on my blog, but I've kept it short here. This book covers things like pragmatic idealism, online culture, entrepreneurship, globalism, collaboration, fun, and more. Everything in this book gave me such an optimistic outlook for the future. As I said, at only 34, I'm still a couple years older than the core millennial age, some of which are still pretty young adults. As more and more come of age to be able to participate more and more in the world, i think we're going to see a lot of acceptance and change, some of which has already begun. And I'm not putting down other age groups. They've done a lot, and will continue to do so. But this book really excited me. This is a definite must-read, especially maybe for people of other generations who work with millennials and want to try and bridge the gap. I do say though, for those who are solidly in the 'millenials are lazy and bad' camp, I feel that the way this is written, in such a millenial way, it won't change their minds. It will only be useful to people on the fence, with no opinion or an open mind, or millenials ourselves.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting & hopeful read, although it misses somewhat aspects of Millennials I've come to know. A bit light on critical analysis. Burstein emphasizes their "civic-mindedness", But I've also seen this as social connectedness. And by this I mean Millennials tend to be very supportive of each other socially, and to do things in groups. Close-knit groups of their close friends form support structures that allow them to be resilient in the face of personal and financial stresses such as the recession. What's one of the smartest ways to get along in a financially difficult economy? Share resources with friends. The other thing that he misses somewhat is that while they are by a far majority liberal, they're also economically sympathetic with libertarian causes. As the most entrepreneurial generation this nation may have seen since its founding decades, this is hardly surprising. They're not predictable politically on either the liberal or conservative axis. Politicians would do well to pay attention to this fact and keep them engaged at all levels of the political process. They tend to be very responsible and good organizers, a fact that the author does grasp. Now if only politicians and business leaders would do the same. Personally I'm looking forward to a future where they create jobs and I'd be happy to have them employ me. Worth a read to get the lay of the arising new land that will be our (more socially & environmentally responsible) economic future. Go Millennials!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as part of the Goodreads First Reviews.

Very interesting and nuanced look at the biggest generation since the Boomers. It talks quite a bit about civic Millenials and their uses of technology but needs to outline the new/old social networks built by Millenials including close-knit global friendships taking the place of suburban nuclear families. It would be interesting to have more emphasis too on millenials in the work place. It is interesting too what it says about the impact technology has had on shaping this generation (and this generation shaping technology) in comparison to people only a few years older.

This book feels very fresh and optimistic. My only complaint (minor) is that it may not be read by anyone other than Millenials.

[Chi Pham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaways initiative.

An insight into the Millenial Generation from a Millenial, this book will make a good read for people outside of the Millenial generation, and hopefully even the Millenial generation themselves. Covering vast territories, from technologies to economics and politics, David Burstein shows us what the American Millenials are doing/achieving, the challenges they are facing, and the way they are connecting with Millenials around the world as well. I like how the book is not trying to overcriticize or overromanticizing the Millenials, but instead focusing on specific events in which Millenials are exercising their impacts..

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a first reads give-away. As a member of the Millenial generation this book is about, much of it resonated with me. It is interesting to see the mentalities I see in myself and my friends summed up. It is also nice to hear positive things about my generation, since we often are called apathetic and entitled. It is a good book if you want to understand what motivates our generation and how we think about ourselves and the world we live in.

This book did get long winded, with lots more explanation then it needed. Many of the examples spoke for themselves and didn't need the five pages of commentary. It got repetative after a while.

[Bonnie M. Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a millenial, it reaffirmed my belief that yes,there is hope for the future and we're in good hands. As young people coming of age in these less than booming times, they are a lot more optimistic about the future and their prospects than most people age 40 and older.
Yes, they have a much better handle on technology than the older crowd and they also seem to be better at sharinrg -- Creative Commons, Open Source, etc. They also share a more global view of the world and life.
My favorite quote: "My parents are well off financially but I'm better off culturally."

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am on the older side of the Millennial Generation, but really didn't identify with any of this book. It seems more of a description of Millennials and a lot of defensive remarks. I am not sure I understand "how the Millennial generation is shaping our future" as the book stated more where we are rather than where we are going.

It was a fine book and I can tell the author put a lot if work into it, but it never held my attention.

I received this book for free as part of the Goodreads First Reads program.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry, I tried twice but I just couldn't get into this book. Since I have two kids at the younger edge of this group I thought it would provide insight into them but rather than being a lay-friendly discussion of their trials and tribulations it was a densely-written paeon to the generation. Not what I was looking for, but I'm sure of interest to others.

[Natalia Quintero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very easily read, not sufficiently balanced on the pros and cons of millennials though a good summary of the events and forces that shape our generation. Ironically, just a bit too idealistic.

[Auryana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great and very insightful :D