Another year passes by

In many civilizations, the age 21 is a sign of maturity. For example, 21 is the legal drinking age in many parts of the USA.

But does it really mean anything? Maturity is not something gained overnight, on the day when you turn 18, 19, 20, 21, or any age for that matter. Maturity is something that is gained gradually over time, as you experience more of the world around you.

Gaining maturity is a painful process. It is the process of losing your childhood innocence. In the real world, childhood altruistic ideals such as sharing and helping often play a bit part behind more materialistic beliefs. But deep inside us, there is a part that wishes that we could live these ideals again. In a way, maturity isn't all that good. Just because we are a certain age, should we say we throw these utopian ideals away?

Furthermore, maturity is subjective. What is mature behavior to one person can seem childish and selfish to another. Mature behavior, contrary to popular belief and its very definition, can defy logic. In this sense, who are we to say what is mature and what is not? Maturity is often defined by societal norms. What happens, then, when there is a clash of two vastly different societies?

In any case, happy 21st. To people on this blog turning (or turned) 21 today, tomorrow, and within the next two weeks, and to all those out there as well. Perhaps this issue of maturity will give you something to think about.