Congratulations on

being born in the

21st century!

If your desire is to thrive

in your 21st century world,

repeat these phrases

to yourself

until you know them by heart,

and then live by them.

“I am, first, a member

of the human race,

and a citizen

of the world—

before my many

other identities.”

“I have a unique set

of dreams, passions,

strengths, and

capabilities

that no other

human has.”

“I can understand

my uniqueness,

and apply it

to bettering my world

in my own way.”

“I have the power

to create positive change

as an individual,

and even more

powerfully

in teams.”

“I can, and will,

take my dreams

as seriously as

I want to.”

“I live in a

technology age.

I will make my 

human and machine

components

work well together

to solve problems.”

“My goal is to become

a good, effective,

world-improving person,

doing the most good

and least harm I can.”

“My best self combines:

• What I care about most,

• What I am best at,

• and what I love to do.”

“My key sources

of happiness are:

LOVE,

EMPATHY,

GRATITUDE,

& OPTIMISM.”

(L.E.G.O.)  

“I am entitled to

TRUST, RESPECT,

INDEPENDENCE,

COLLABORATION

and KINDNESS

—and will give

the same in return.”

“I can build my self-esteem

and self-confidence

by accomplishing

positive, useful tasks

in my community,

country, and world…

…and can

personally

better my world

by joining in

world-improving

projects.”

“My ideal life is a good balance of:

• socializing, eating, exercise & play,

• contributing to my world,

• renewing myself through reflection and sleep.”

“I am in charge of,

and responsible for,

my own life and future.

  I also welcome well-

intentioned advice and 

guidance from all sources.”

“I am free to believe

whatever I want to.

— But I am not free

to cause harm to others

or the world.”

“I will not be

under-respected,

under-appreciated,

or underestimated

because of my age,

gender — or

anything else.”

“I am no one’s property,

pet, or slave.

No person has the right

to control me,

beyond stopping me

from doing harm.”

“I know,

and welcome,

that my life will be one

of continuous change—

and this may even include

changes in my beliefs

over time.”

“But much of my

adult life

will be determined

by the beliefs I form

growing up…

…and no matter

what anyone tells me,

all these things

are true.”

Created and published by

The Two Billion Kids Project

of the

Global Future Education Foundation

Marc Prensky,

Founder and Executive Director

two billionkids.world

global-future-education.org

This book grew out of

a long-held belief that

we do not teach our kids

many of the key lessons

they need to know.

.

It is a work in progress,

not yet fully designed

and/or illustrated.

Our vision is to

translate this message

into every language

and medium, and share it,

through every channel possible,

with all the world’s

two billion kids.

To reach all 2 B kids,

we welcome any suggestions

for improving this book and/or

moving the message to

additional media.

If you would like to help

or contribute in any way,

(or know others who might),

please contact

[email protected]

CONTEST

If you are a kid, we want

your reactions to this book.

How would you change

any of the words or images

to make them more meaningful

to you and your friends?

Prizes offered for great ideas!

.

Send your ideas and thoughts to

marcprensky@gmail.com