Ten years ago the author wrote 'Casualities of change: the predicament of youth in Australia', which analysed the worsening plight of young people, expressed in rising suicide, drug abuse, crime and also more widely in an increasing social detachment and alienation. He said in the report that the measures we are adopting to combat the problems we face will, if they make any impact at all, never fully succeed. In this paper, he explores how well his prediction of ten years ago has stood up. He discusses recent trends in youth problems, examines relevant social and economic indicators, discusses culture and values, and explores ways of responding to our situation. His argument is that the need to redefine progress is not a new message, but it is becoming more compelling. Whether we look at young people's well being or, more broadly, at the overall quality and sustainability of modern life, the evidence is mounting for a fundamental change in our world view.