[thrush]

You're treating the effect as the cause. Many young people don't have these obligations because they don't know what they are going to do with their lives and families, mortgages, car loans, etc. are the real risk.

It seems to me that you're implying that young people shouldn't have the right to these things until they contribute to society. I would argue that a real problem we have right now is that people can't figure out how to have families, mortgages, car loans, etc. and contribute to society at the same time. Once we figure that out, then we'll see people taking on more obligations at an earlier age.

[matteotom]

They also don't have these obligations because they are young. They haven't had time to start a family or buy a house. It's true that some people may want to go into a startup to avoid the "real risk". However, the "real risk" is the tried and true path, making it easier to fall into. And once a young person does, they have much more to lose by taking a job that may not work out in the long run.

I really don't see where I implied young people don't have the right to these things until they contribute to society. While it's fine if the majority continue on a "normal" path through life (college, job, family + house, 401k, etc), we need some young people who are willing to take the risk of not following that path.