"Edward Dolan" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:
[email protected]...
>
> You are an adult after all, aren't you?
That is one of my favorite questions. In my opinion, and I'm being serious,
"Adult" is a concept that is no more useful than "God".
When you ask that question, you do not mean "Are you biologically mature?".
The answer to that question is yes. I am sexually mature, have facial,
underarm, and pubic hair. I also have grey hair and male pattern baldness at
this point in my life. I have also reached the full height which I am going
to attain. So, biologically, I am an adult.
However, you are asking a very different question. You are asking if I have
accepted a set of world views and opinions the conform to a specific social
norm. The answer to that question is, as I have said many times, no.
What is an Adult, Ed? You are using that word to mean so much more than
biological. You are asking me something like "Don't you realize that you
have childish ideas and that you should adjust them to be more like mine?"
You see, Ed, I like childish ideas. You've never raised a child so you'll
have to take my word here but...
It is far easier to settle disputes between young children. They are not as
stuck in their positions. Ultimately they would rather play than argue. As
they age it gets harder and harder to settle disputes. They come to feel
that they must win for winnings sake. At times they would rather argue than
play because the outcome of the arguement means so much to their egos and
sense of self. As they get older it gets worse and worse.
So you are asking me if I've fallen victim to this thing that we call
"Adulthood"?
Yes I have but I think I see it for what it is.
When the day comes (and I hope it will) that I can ride again, you and I
could, if we were in the same place, get together and ride. Assuming that
the weather is nice we could enjoy the day. We could stop for a cold drink,
enjoy the ride, argue a bit just for fun, and just have a good time.
Do you mean to say that I should have strong feelings about you that would
keep this from happening just because you and I have radically different
ideas about how the world is?
I am trying to move backwards. I would rather play than argue. I don't care
who is right. I've already confessed to being a fool. If you can't tolerate
that type of person then don't come near me.
So you tell me, am I an Adult? I hope the answer is No!
Happy Trails, Ed.
Jeff