One of the most prevalent arguments against trusting children - or even younger adults - is that the brain doesn’t reach full development until age 25. Of course, this argument ignores a number of factors, including the fact that our brains begin to deteriorate beginning at age 26.
So, age 25 is only the precise moment in time when our brains are at the peak of their growth. It assumes that this will also be the pinnacle of reason and responsibility, but it begs the question: how do we know the two are correlated?
Are we to believe that the benefits of a full-grown 25-year-old brain come automatic to all and sundry, that practice at thought and responsibility have nothing to do with it? Well, we have data on that, too. It turns out experience is the best predictor of responsibility. Drivers, for example, are worst when they’re new, and that holds true equally for new drivers who are 16 and new drivers who are 25. We also find that those raised to think about their choices demonstrate more empathy and responsibility and creativity.
So, it’s not about the exact formation of the brain. It’s about its usage, at age 25 or at any other.
Sean Vivier, MLSS Staff
So, age 25 is only the precise moment in time when our brains are at the peak of their growth. It assumes that this will also be the pinnacle of reason and responsibility, but it begs the question: how do we know the two are correlated?
Are we to believe that the benefits of a full-grown 25-year-old brain come automatic to all and sundry, that practice at thought and responsibility have nothing to do with it? Well, we have data on that, too. It turns out experience is the best predictor of responsibility. Drivers, for example, are worst when they’re new, and that holds true equally for new drivers who are 16 and new drivers who are 25. We also find that those raised to think about their choices demonstrate more empathy and responsibility and creativity.
So, it’s not about the exact formation of the brain. It’s about its usage, at age 25 or at any other.
Sean Vivier, MLSS Staff
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