The Baby Boom generation is the worst generation in the modern world. Let’s get this out of the way: that doesn’t mean all Baby Boomers are bad people – for example, my parents are some of the most hard working, impressive role models I have ever seen. But what is clear is that the generation my parents belong to has, through their own selfishness and short-sightedness, placed the world on a disastrous path (and yes, I fully understand the irony of a millennial calling another generation selfish and short-sighted).

This is the generation that grew up in a world of limitless opportunity – think about the lasting images of their youth: Martin Luther King on the steps of the Lincoln Monument, Neil Armstrong stepping onto the Moon, leaders rebelling against the status quo. They also witnessed the pitfalls of human oppression and callousness: the assassinations of Dr. King and JFK, the failure of the Vietnam War, and the impeachment of an egotistical President. They should have been the people to soak in the beauty of their youth and learned from the travesties of the generation ahead of them…but that is not the case.

So, what world will they be leaving us? And more importantly, how can we rectify their transgressions?

My wonderful parents always taught me to evaluate a person’s worth on how they impact those around them – did they leave a situation in better shape than when they entered…and I think that is an appropriate lense to evaluate their generation through.

Where are leading voices and innovators from their generation? Society’s greatest minds and social activists are not Baby Boomers, but rather members of younger generations. They have provided few leaders to point us in the right direction – and the result of which is their generation turning their backs on inclusivity, creativity, and ultimately burdening us with their social and fiscal selfishness.

Socially, is our generation better off? Did Baby Boomers create a more inclusive, safer world?

For a generation that rallied behind the Civil Rights Movement, they are now shockingly close minded. People of color are not only fearful of their leaders, they are also fearful of their community police (and for good reason). The LGBT community remains unaccepted and ostracized – without a doubt the cause of the high rates of suicide in that community.

The Baby Boomers who first-hand felt the travesties of American intervention around the globe from the Vietnam War have killed and maimed more of my generation than I could ever count. They have not stabilized regions – but added more to the list of those in turmoil.

The health of the planet is in continually worse shape. This is the generation who first garnered an appreciation for the Earth during the late 60’s and early 70’s. Now they are the generation who either refuses to accept clear scientific evidence of their harm or feel obliged to ignore it – both of which are morally and philosophically unacceptable.

Answer: No.

Financially, is our generation better off? Will my generation be able to improve our standing and put our children in a better position for success?

My parent’s generation was able to purchase a family home at a young age, work an appropriate amount of hours, and easily climb the career ladder. They didn’t live their lives burdened with mountains of student loans. They contributed to social security with the trust that they would be repaid when it was their time.

Answer: No.

It is easy to identify problems – more complicated to solve them. So how do we fix their mistakes?

Millennials needs to use the failures of the current leading generation to fix the societal cracks that the Baby Boomers have and will continue leave behind. We must unite behind simple ideas – inclusivity, innovation, opportunity and selflessness. Of course an entire generation will not agree on all issues, but we must be unanimous in our pursuit of positive change. We must continue to foster innovation and connectivity – to build the next wave of economic opportunity. We must be open to a global society in which places meritocracy at the forefront and does not smother the spark of opportunity before it gets a chance to catch fire. We must maintain focus on improving the world for future generations – slowing or reversing the destruction we have done to the planet and providing opportunities for our children (without stealing from them under the guise of “social security”).

They may see us as too individualistic and self-centered, tied to Snapchats and Instagram posts…but in fact we are more connected, unified, and cohesive then they ever were. It may be a daunting challenge, but I have faith that we can, and will, prove them wrong. We need to be the innovation that they are not, the passion that they lost, the determination when they got lazy, the selflessness when they become selfish, and the success where they failed. We must step forward, and take the leadership from the generation who squandered it.