FROM THE EDITORS July 25, 2005 Issue

HANDFULS OF PURPOSE FOR A WAITING WORLD

we all need to be needed. Having a reason to get up in the morning is more than just a nice concept; it's a valuable component to happy, productive living.

But for many, the feeling of being without purpose appears particularly acute. Lack of purpose underlies the boredom of disadvantaged inner-city young people as well as the sometimes discouragement of those in assisted living environments. The want of meaningful activity can be an issue at any time of life.

Purpose is not something that money can buy. Columnist Ruben Navarrette said recently that when he asked a group of educators what the primary problem was that they encountered with their students, "Without hesitation, the professors agreed, the biggest problem with young people today is that they lack a sense of purpose. And, the professors insisted, this might have something to do with the fact that these kids don't lack for much else" (The Detroit News, February 13, 2005).

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