The Vanishing American Adult

A Clarion Call to Save America's Future by Empowering the Next Generation

In The Vanishing American Adult, Senator Ben Sasse warns of an existential threat facing America. A generation of young people, raised by overprotective parents and coddled by misguided government programs, is ill-equipped to survive in today's highly-competitive global economy.

Core coming-of-age experiences like learning the value of work, leaving home to start a family, and achieving economic independence are increasingly delayed or abandoned altogether. With 30% of college students dropping out after the first year and one in three 18-to-34 year-olds living with their parents, the statistics paint a daunting picture.

Drawing on his experience as a father and as the president of a Midwestern college, Sasse identifies the key formative experiences all young people should pursue: hard work, travel, reading, and physical health. He offers practical advice for parents to help encourage these essential habits.

Democracy requires responsible, engaged citizens to thrive. Without them, America becomes vulnerable to populist demagogues. The Vanishing American Adult is an urgent call to action, igniting a vital debate about how we raise our children and the future of our nation in this era of safe spaces, trigger warnings, and an unprecedented political climate.