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Adolescence Quote by Barbara Natterson-Horowitz

“Of course, all animals have different things to learn while traversing the arc that takes them from sexually immature, vulnerable child to reproductively capable, developed adult. In our case, those include advanced language skills and critical thinking. But there’s one feature that defines…” quote by Barbara Natterson-Horowitz
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““Of course, all animals have different things to learn while traversing the arc that takes them from sexually immature, vulnerable child to reproductively capable, developed adult. In our case, those include advanced language skills and critical thinking. But there’s one feature that defines adolescence in species from condors to capuchin monkeys to college freshmen. It’s a time when they learn by taking risks and sometimes making mistakes.””

Barbara Natterson-Horowitz

About This Quote

Source Book: The Animal Mind, 2012

Adolescence is a universal stage where many species, including humans, learn through risk‑taking and mistakes, shaping adult competence.

In simple terms: Teenagers learn by trial and error.

Key Takeaway

Embrace risk as a learning tool.

Themes

development risk‑taking learning growth

Mood

inspirational educational

Type

non‑fiction psychological

When to use this quote

  • teen education
  • mentorship programs
  • personal development

Key Concepts

biology psychology education

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance safe exploration with necessary risk?
  • What support systems aid healthy adolescent risk‑taking?
A Different Perspective

Risk can lead to harmful consequences if unchecked.

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