--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I've had a great deal of experience with…" description: "\"“I've had a great deal of experience with adolescents over the centuries, and I've discovered that as a group these awkward half children take themselv..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1cb/david-leigh-eddings-164443_adolescence_i-ve-had-a-great-deal-of-experience-with_283815.jpg" --- # I've had a great deal of experience with adolescents over… ![“I've had a great deal of experience with adolescents over the centuries, and I've discovered that as a group these awkward half children take themselves far too seriously. Moreover, appearance is everything for the adolescent. I suppose it's a form of play-acting. The adolescent knows that the…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1cb/david-leigh-eddings-164443_adolescence_i-ve-had-a-great-deal-of-experience-with_283815.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1cb/david-leigh-eddings-164443_adolescence_i-ve-had-a-great-deal-of-experience-with_283815.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1cb/david-leigh-eddings-164443_adolescence_i-ve-had-a-great-deal-of-experience-with_283815.jpg) > ““I've had a great deal of experience with adolescents over the centuries, and I've discovered that as a group these awkward half children take themselves far too seriously. Moreover, appearance is everything for the adolescent. I suppose it's a form of play-acting. The adolescent knows that the child is lurking under the surface, but he'd sooner die than let it out, and I was no different. I was so intent on being "grown-up" that I simply couldn't relax and enjoy life. Most people go through this stage and outgrow it. Many, however, do not. The pose becomes more important than reality, and these poor creatures become hollow people, forever striving to fit themselves into an impossible mold.”” [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker reflects on how adolescents overact, fearing vulnerability, leading many to become hollow adults trapped in false personas **In simple terms:** Adolescents overact, hide true selves, become hollow adults Key Takeaway Recognize and accept vulnerability early Themes identity self‑image growth authenticity Mood reflective somber insightful Type observational philosophical When to use this quote - parenting - counseling - personal development - education - mental health Key Concepts psychology social conformity developmental stages Questions to Reflect On - How does fear of being seen as childish shape adult behavior? - What steps can help someone shed a false persona? A Different Perspective Not all adolescents outgrow this; societal pressure can reinforce the pose ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Adolescence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adolescence/) [Adolescent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adolescent/) [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Enjoy life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enjoy-life/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Relax And Enjoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/relax-and-enjoy/) ## Related quotes > [“When Prospective mothers and fathers imagine the joys of parenthood, they seldom envision the adolescent years. Adolescence is the stretch of childhood that Nora…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/when-prospective-mothers-and-fathers-imagine-the-joys-of-parenthood/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“I will never be crazy," repeats the adolescent hero to herself. "I will never get killed. I have to grow up.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-will-never-be-crazy-repeats-the-adolescent-hero-to-herself-i-will/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Another reason for the increased self-centeredness of an adolescent is her susceptibility to humiliation. This brazen, defiant creature is also something tender, raw, thin-skinned,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/another-reason-for-the-increased-self-centeredness-of-an-adolescent/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Im aiming by the time Im fifty to stop being an adolescent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/im-aiming-by-the-time-im-fifty-to-stop-being-an-adolescent/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Adults forget the depths of languor into which the adolescent mind decends with ease. They are prone to undervalue the mental growth that occurs…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/adults-forget-the-depths-of-languor-into-which-the-adolescent-mind/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [If you know you have to wait anyway, why not make a decision to enjoy your life while you’re waiting? Why not be happy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/if-you-know-you-have-to-wait-anyway-why-not-make-a-decision-to-enjoy/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [Grandmas can shed the yoke of responsibility, relax and enjoy their grandchildren in a way that was not possible when they were raising their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erma-bombeck/grandmas-can-shed-the-yoke-of-responsibility-relax-and-enjoy-their/) [Erma Bombeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erma-bombeck/) > [“Ever, can't you just relax and enjoy the view? When was the last time you were in Paris anyway?" "Never. I've never been to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alyson-noel/ever-can-t-you-just-relax-and-enjoy-the-view-when-was-the-last-time/) [Alyson Noel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alyson-noel/) > [The services provided by Aruba Villa Vacation Homes are extensive and should remove the apprehension that anyone might experience with international travel. To help…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matthe-smillie/the-services-provided-by-aruba-villa-vacation-homes-are-extensive-and/) Matthe Smillie > [“Relax and enjoy the ride of life, there will be ups and downs however they are meant for a reason breathe in the precious…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janiece-rendon/relax-and-enjoy-the-ride-of-life-there-will-be-ups-and-downs-however/) [Janiece Rendon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janiece-rendon/) > [But learning how to enjoy my own company - and picking up hobbies is really important as well in not being bored and staying…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/madeleine-madden/but-learning-how-to-enjoy-my-own-company-and-picking-up-hobbies-is/) [Madeleine Madden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/madeleine-madden/) > [I like to be lazy. I do like to be busy and really active, but when that's done, you can be sure I will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/olivier-theyskens/i-like-to-be-lazy-i-do-like-to-be-busy-and-really-active-but-when/) [Olivier Theyskens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/olivier-theyskens/) > [I did 21 years of hard labor in the NBA, invested my money right, so I'm set. I earned the right to relax and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/moses-malone/i-did-21-years-of-hard-labor-in-the-nba-invested-my-money-right-so-i/) [Moses Malone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/moses-malone/) > [Learn to flow with life like a stream. Change is the only constant in our world, everything and everyone is in always in a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kemmy-nola/learn-to-flow-with-life-like-a-stream-change-is-the-only-constant-in/) [Kemmy Nola](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kemmy-nola/) > [We take all elections seriously. We are 24/7 politicians working for the interests of the country and its people. We are not like others…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anurag-thakur/we-take-all-elections-seriously-we-are-24-7-politicians-working-for/) [Anurag Thakur](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anurag-thakur/) ## More by Anonymous > [And a tear rolled down her cheek, as she said goodbye; because she's walking away, and she's never looking back](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/and-a-tear-rolled-down-her-cheek-as-she-said-goodbye-because-she-s/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Life is full of change. That's how we learn and grow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-full-of-change-that-s-how-we-learn-and-grow/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-ll-seldom-experience-regret-for-anything-that-you-ve-done-it-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Scrabble - The game is available in Braille. That’s a nice fact. This makes me feel better about humanity for some reason. I can’t…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/scrabble-the-game-is-available-in-braille-that-s-a-nice-fact-this/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Everyone needs someone to love, and I choose you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/everyone-needs-someone-to-love-and-i-choose-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“THIS tale of my sore-troubled life I write,    To thank the God of nature, who conveyed    My soul to me, and with such care…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/this-tale-of-my-sore-troubled-life-i-write-to-thank-the-god-of-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Put on my J's and dance the whole night away Im naughty by nature like Im hip-hop hooray With my hands in the sky,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/put-on-my-j-s-and-dance-the-whole-night-away-im-naughty-by-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Me.. I have been through a lot, but I still manage to have a smile on my face. Im not worried about the past…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/me-i-have-been-through-a-lot-but-i-still-manage-to-have-a-smile-on-my/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Distance is a test of love. many will fail for those who can't withstand it, but for those who can, theres only one answer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/distance-is-a-test-of-love-many-will-fail-for-those-who-can-t/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Im sorry I ever tried...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/im-sorry-i-ever-tried/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Being betrayed by the one you love is the worst feeling in the world...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/being-betrayed-by-the-one-you-love-is-the-worst-feeling-in-the-world/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Let children support their parents or be imprisoned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-children-support-their-parents-or-be-imprisoned/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The only person I've ever purposely caused pain here is myself...By simply sharing, caring too much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-only-person-i-ve-ever-purposely-caused-pain-here-is-myself-by/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Start a business, not a startup”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/start-a-business-not-a-startup/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-truth-is-of-course-that-the-curtness-of-the-ten-commandments-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) [Explore all 162,899 Anonymous quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More Adolescence quotes > [They must move from a psychological state of victimization to a psychological state of accepting responsibility. The Palestinians must leave behind their revolutionary adolescence…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ari-shavit/they-must-move-from-a-psychological-state-of-victimization-to-a/) [Ari Shavit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ari-shavit/) > [Having children truly ends adolescence. We are all either parents or children: responsibility-takers or those who demand from others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ben-shapiro/having-children-truly-ends-adolescence-we-are-all-either-parents-or/) [Ben Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-shapiro/) > [Teenage girls are extremists who see the world in black-and- white terms, missing shades of gray. Life is either marvelous or notworth living. School…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-pipher/teenage-girls-are-extremists-who-see-the-world-in-black-and-white/) [Mary Pipher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-pipher/) > [Teenagers complain there's nothing to do, then stay out all night doing it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-phillips/teenagers-complain-there-s-nothing-to-do-then-stay-out-all-night/) [Bob Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-phillips/) > [The idols of one's adolescence tend to endure - you never forget how you worshipped them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/molly-ivins/the-idols-of-one-s-adolescence-tend-to-endure-you-never-forget-how/) [Molly Ivins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-ivins/) > [Being an adult is the ability to postpone a want for the sake of a family need.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-hogan/being-an-adult-is-the-ability-to-postpone-a-want-for-the-sake-of-a/) [Chris Hogan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-hogan/) > [The donning of the ear buds marks the beginning of teen life, when children set off on their own for the passage through adolescence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amity-shlaes/the-donning-of-the-ear-buds-marks-the-beginning-of-teen-life-when/) [Amity Shlaes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amity-shlaes/) > [Adolescence is when the very worst and best impulses in the human soul struggle against each other for possession.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/g-stanley-hall/adolescence-is-when-the-very-worst-and-best-impulses-in-the-human/) [G. Stanley Hall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/g-stanley-hall/) > [Most adults would not dream of belittling, humiliating, or bullying (verbally or physically) another adult. But many of the same adults think nothing of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurence-steinberg/most-adults-would-not-dream-of-belittling-humiliating-or-bullying/) [Laurence Steinberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurence-steinberg/) > [If you can't count, they can cheat you. If you can't read, they can beat you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/toni-morrison/if-you-can-t-count-they-can-cheat-you-if-you-can-t-read-they-can-beat/) [Toni Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/toni-morrison/) > [“He'd possessed all the key elements of a school shooter: hormones, misery, ammunition. People wondered how something like Columbine could happen. Jude wondered why…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-hill/he-d-possessed-all-the-key-elements-of-a-school-shooter-hormones/) [Joe Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-hill/) > [ I remember realizing, when I did Little Women \[1994\], that that was the only time girls that age were being written about. It was… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/winona-ryder/i-remember-realizing-when-i-did-little-women-1994-that-that-was-the/) [Winona Ryder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/winona-ryder/) > [Content without style is propaganda or adolescence. Style without content is decadence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-mae-brown/content-without-style-is-propaganda-or-adolescence-style-without/) [Rita Mae Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-mae-brown/) > [Adolescence is interesting. I mean, all of life is interesting and all of life is transitionary. But I think there is an exponential growth…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-henson/adolescence-is-interesting-i-mean-all-of-life-is-interesting-and-all/) [Bill Henson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-henson/) > [“Yet GenX'er teens didn't slow down--they were just as likely to drive, drink alcohol, and date as their Boomer peers and more likely to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-m-twenge/yet-genx-er-teens-didn-t-slow-down-they-were-just-as-likely-to-drive/) [Jean M. Twenge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-m-twenge/) [Browse all 787 Adolescence quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adolescence/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“I've had a great deal of experience with adolescents over the centuries, and I've discovered that as a group these awkward half children take themselves far too seriously. Moreover, appearance is everything for the adolescent. I suppose it's a form of play-acting. 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