The definition of a G
Part of what I want this blog to become is a collection of my random theoretical solutions to real everyday problems… a la synthesis, but not so heavy on abstract rhetoric. Yes, I spend a good chunk of my free time thinking about these type of things. Yes, I thoroughly enjoy it. And no, I don’t care if you think I’m a nerd.
So, fixing the arbitrary age limit conundrum. What I mean by this is the arbitrary age governments set on privileges such as being able to drive, drink alcohol, fight in a war, etc. For example: The United States sets the legal drinking age at 21 even though almost all foreign countries set it at 18, some even 16. The US also sets the age at which one can join the army at 18, which is arguably significantly more dangerous during times of war.
This makes no sense me though, because as Einstein discovered: it’s all relative! No two people are exactly alike. People’s minds and bodies mature at different rates. It’s not uncommon to meet people in their 20’s who you’d swear should still be in high school and vice versa. These differences need to be taken into account.
What I propose, then, are government mandated tests that track both mental and physical development in children. Only once certain criteria are met can these children/teenagers be deemed capable and mature enough to handle driving a car, debate the ramifications of drinking too much alcohol, comprehend what going to war actually means, etc. It’s unlikely the ages would shift that much. I’d say 18 give or take 3 years. But if, say, teenage drivers are that much more mature, resulting in a large drop in teenage car crashes (which are extremely high), then I would consider it a success. It’s all about the results.
There’s virtually zero chance of something like this being implemented though, and I realize that. There’s too much social inertia to overcome. To not be able to compare children just by age would shatter social norms. I’m very curious as to how this kind of system would pan out in an experimental community though…
Some food for thought. Until next time!
Psychological and Physiological Relativity: Fixing the Arbitrary Age Limit Conundrum
The definition of a G
Part of what I want this blog to become is a collection of my random theoretical solutions to real everyday problems… a la synthesis, but not so heavy on abstract rhetoric. Yes, I spend a good chunk of my free time thinking about these type of things. Yes, I thoroughly enjoy it. And no, I don’t care if you think I’m a nerd.
So, fixing the arbitrary age limit conundrum. What I mean by this is the arbitrary age governments set on privileges such as being able to drive, drink alcohol, fight in a war, etc. For example: The United States sets the legal drinking age at 21 even though almost all foreign countries set it at 18, some even 16. The US also sets the age at which one can join the army at 18, which is arguably significantly more dangerous during times of war.
This makes no sense me though, because as Einstein discovered: it’s all relative! No two people are exactly alike. People’s minds and bodies mature at different rates. It’s not uncommon to meet people in their 20’s who you’d swear should still be in high school and vice versa. These differences need to be taken into account.
What I propose, then, are government mandated tests that track both mental and physical development in children. Only once certain criteria are met can these children/teenagers be deemed capable and mature enough to handle driving a car, debate the ramifications of drinking too much alcohol, comprehend what going to war actually means, etc. It’s unlikely the ages would shift that much. I’d say 18 give or take 3 years. But if, say, teenage drivers are that much more mature, resulting in a large drop in teenage car crashes (which are extremely high), then I would consider it a success. It’s all about the results.
There’s virtually zero chance of something like this being implemented though, and I realize that. There’s too much social inertia to overcome. To not be able to compare children just by age would shatter social norms. I’m very curious as to how this kind of system would pan out in an experimental community though…
Some food for thought. Until next time!