Concerning the formation of life orientations of a person in the period of youth

The paper discusses development of life orientations of a person in the period of youth determined by the crisis of values and norms typical for the modern Russian society. Content analysis of young people’s essays about the meaning of life has revealed some trends that make a negative impact on the ability of self-realization and self-expression in the future. The younger generation tends to avoid discussion of the meaning of life, they don''t wish to analyze their own life and satisfaction with it. The authors see the resolution of the problem in increasing of personal subjectivity through the development of its value structures and the formation of reflective culture.