In the past, children would help out with the housework, and go out and do small part-time jobs, like working as shoe-shiners. They knew that they had to start early in earning a living. Studying was the privilege of the rich.
The new generation is more fortunate. Not only do youngsters of today enjoy a more comfortable life, with plenty of material luxuries, they also have better learning opportunities.
There are TV games, comics and the latest fashions to keep them amused. They do not have to worry too much about the future, as their parents did.
On the one hand, we congratulate them on their luck, but on the other hand, we must also sympathise with them. I believe that a person's fate depends on several factors: 35 per cent fortune, 35 per cent effort and 30 per cent fung shui or luck. Luck is as important as effort. Unfortunately, today's adolescents don't realise the good things they have.
They show vulnerability, and do not know how to help themselves in the proper way.
Often they turn to drugs, or drink, or even hurting themselves, when they feel dissatisfied with life, or lonely, or desperate.