Among the many slang coinages of Gen Z , the term “passenger princess” is perhaps the least confounding to me. Yes, the young people are not learning to drive and are turning up their noses at what was once the great moment of youthful freedom. The stalled engines of Gen Z are a matter of some social concern. Why, various writers wonder, aren’t Zoomers getting their licenses? Is it anxiety ? Is it the phones? Is it part of a general failure to launch?

I have never shared this confusion. Cars are an expensive drag to maintain, they are almost uniformly hideous, and walking is so very pleasant. I resisted getting my license for 15 years. But finally, driving caught up with me. Now, for reasons still unclear to me, I am legally permitted to operate a motor vehicle on public roads.

Rec

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