In Search of Responsible Teens

None ^ | 2-20-02 | Myself

[Lil'freeper]

What better place to begin an effort to collect anecdotes about remarkable accomplishments by teens than with the astute minds at Free Republic.

It has long been a pet peeve of mine that our culture insists that the innocence of childhood (and with it the absolution of any consequences resulting from poor decisions) be extended throughout the teenage years and into the early twenties while at the same time allowing them to participate in society as "adults"- namely driving, joining the Taliban, dictating to parents, sexuality, etc. To my mind, we can't have it both ways. 'Kids these days' want all the perks of adulthood, but none of the responsibility.

Nothing new in that observation, I know. However, I have decided to collect historical examples of teenagers who illustrate well that those of this age group are not innocent babes, but are capable of bearing the burdens and responsibility of adulthood.

The first example that comes to mind is Joan of Arc, a teenager, rallied an army, was influential in restoring a king to France, witness of her Faith, and executed at 19. But I am looking for more such examples and your help would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks ahead of time!

[Lil'freeper]

Found another: Anne Frank. Her diary is evidence of her amazing grace, composure and maturity. She died in a Nazi prison camp at age 15.

[ChicagoRepublican]

There have been many teen heroes in the armed forces in many countries all throughout history.

Alexander Hamilton and Napoleon were both well on their way to success as teens.

William Pit the Younger was in Parliament at a very young age, and became Prime Minister at only the age of 24 during a very difficult time period for the United Kingdom.

[Kermit]

They are also trying to turn women into irresponsible children, see Andreas Yates defense.

[Lil'freeper]

Whoohooo, Thank you thank you thank you. I also have found that Admiral Farragut, first admiral of the US Navy, went to sea as a 9-year old, saw combat at 10, and commanded briefly at age 12. His first official command came at age 23.

[Lil'freeper]

Alexander Hamilton took over the counting house business where he was apprencticed at age 15. Not too shabby.

[Lil'freeper]

Ferdinand II (of Isabella and Columbus fame) took on the crown of Sicily at the age of 16, and ruled all of Spain by age 27.