---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Adolescence is when the very worst and…"
description: "\"Adolescence is when the very worst and best impulses in the human soul struggle against each other for possession.\" — G. Stanley Hall"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8d9/g-stanley-hall-21940_adolescence_adolescence-is-when-the-very-worst-and-b_33776.jpg"
---

#  Adolescence is when the very worst and best impulses in…

![“Adolescence is when the very worst and best impulses in the human soul struggle against each other for possession.” quote by G. Stanley Hall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8d9/g-stanley-hall-21940_adolescence_adolescence-is-when-the-very-worst-and-b_33776.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8d9/g-stanley-hall-21940_adolescence_adolescence-is-when-the-very-worst-and-b_33776.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8d9/g-stanley-hall-21940_adolescence_adolescence-is-when-the-very-worst-and-b_33776.jpg)

> “Adolescence is when the very worst and best impulses in the human soul struggle against each other for possession.”

[G. Stanley Hall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/g-stanley-hall/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Adolescence is a turbulent period where conflicting impulses—both destructive and aspirational—compete for dominance within the individual.

**In simple terms:** Youth is a clash of opposing drives.

Key Takeaway

Adolescence pits the worst and best instincts against each other.

Themes

identity formation inner conflict psychological development moral tension growth self‑control

Mood

introspective turbulent hopeful

Type

philosophical psychological observational

When to use this quote

- navigating peer pressure
- making ethical choices
- exploring personal values
- dealing with emotional volatility
- seeking autonomy

Key Concepts

impulse soul adolescence struggle

Practical Applications

- guiding teen counseling
- designing youth development programs

Questions to Reflect On

- How do conflicting impulses shape a teen’s identity?
- What strategies can help balance destructive and constructive drives?

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[Adolescence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adolescence/) [Human soul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-soul/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Possession](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/possession/) [Soul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/soul/) [Struggle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/struggle/) [Youth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/youth/)

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## More by G. Stanley Hall

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