David Brooks reflects on America's 'loss of faith' and its impact on youth

The former New York Times columnist discusses the country's shift from optimism to pessimism and how it's affecting the next generation.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:53am

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In his final column at The New York Times, veteran columnist David Brooks reflected on America's collective 'loss of faith' - not just in religion, but in democracy, technology, and each other. Brooks noted that this shift has led to a more anxious, distrustful, and pessimistic country, especially among young people. Surveys show that American youth are the unhappiest demographic, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and a lack of purpose. Brooks believes colleges and universities need to do more to address these issues through programs focused on character development, civic engagement, and practical advice for living a fulfilling life.

Why it matters

Brooks' observations highlight the broader cultural and societal shifts happening in America, with a decline in shared values, trust in institutions, and optimism about the future. This is having a particularly acute impact on young people, who are struggling with economic insecurity, mental health challenges, and a sense of alienation from the systems meant to support them. Addressing these issues is crucial for the wellbeing of the next generation and the long-term health of American democracy.

The details

In his final column, Brooks reflected on how America has become a 'sadder, meaner and more pessimistic country' since he started at The Times in 2003. He attributed this to a 'loss of faith' - not just in religion, but in democracy, technology, and each other. Without shared moral standards, Brooks argued, it becomes impossible to 'settle disputes or maintain social cohesion and trust.' This has manifested in a foreign policy focused on 'force' and 'power' over 'international niceties.' Surveys show young people are the country's most unhappy demographic, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and a lack of purpose. Brooks believes colleges and universities need to do more to address these issues through programs focused on character development, civic engagement, and practical advice for living a fulfilling life.

  • Brooks left his position at The New York Times in February 2026.

The players

David Brooks

A veteran columnist who worked at The New York Times for over two decades before retiring in February 2026.

Stephen Miller

A former chief policy adviser to President Trump who advocated for an approach to foreign policy based on 'strength,' 'force,' and 'power' over 'international niceties.'

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What they’re saying

“Loss of faith produces a belief in nothing. Trump is nihilism personified, with his assumption that morality is for suckers, that life is about power, force, bullying and cruelty.”

— David Brooks, Columnist (The New York Times)

“you can talk about international niceties and everything else, but we live in a world that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power.”

— Stephen Miller, Former Chief Policy Adviser to President Trump (CNN)

The takeaway

Brooks' reflections on America's 'loss of faith' and its impact on young people underscore the need for institutions, especially colleges and universities, to do more to address the growing sense of alienation, anxiety, and lack of purpose among the next generation. Restoring shared values, civic engagement, and a sense of meaning will be crucial for the long-term health of American democracy.