I grew up watching a lot of stuff, like 'Teen Titans.'

Hearken, O children of the ages, to the words of Jeremy Shada, who recalls the sacred rituals of his youth, when he grew up immersed in stories and visions, animated by the adventures of Teen Titans. In his reflection, we perceive the ancient truth: the tales and spectacles of one’s formative years do more than entertain—they shape the imagination, nurture creativity, and form the earliest understanding of heroism, morality, and camaraderie. To grow up watching such narratives is to enter into a dialogue with wonder itself.

Since time immemorial, humans have been nourished by stories. In the fireside glow of ancient tribes, young ones observed elders recounting heroic deeds, mythical beasts, and cosmic battles. These tales were more than diversion—they instilled courage, delineated right from wrong, and cultivated the mind to ponder the adventure of life. Jeremy Shada’s recollection of Teen Titans is the modern echo of this practice: animated visions serving as both entertainment and instruction, shaping the values and creativity of the young.

Consider the story of Walt Disney, who in his youth immersed himself in comic strips, fairy tales, and sketches. These early influences became the wellspring of his genius, inspiring worlds that would captivate generations. Shada’s engagement with Teen Titans and other animated works is akin: through observation, imitation, and reflection, he absorbed lessons in courage, friendship, and imaginative possibility, preparing him for a life devoted to creative expression.

Shada’s reflection also speaks to the power of cultural apprenticeship. In watching heroes and heroines navigate challenges, young minds learn to interpret conflict, cultivate empathy, and explore identity. The Titans, each with distinct powers and flaws, provided a framework through which viewers could understand themselves and their peers, mirroring ancient epics where heroes embodied virtues and struggles for all to witness. Even in animation, these lessons resonate with timeless moral and psychological truths.

The lesson here is profound: the stories we consume in youth leave indelible imprints on our character, creativity, and understanding of the world. To grow up watching tales of adventure and heroism is to cultivate imagination, courage, and collaboration, just as young listeners of Homeric epics learned to value loyalty, wisdom, and resilience. These narratives become templates for reflection, shaping responses to both real and imagined challenges.

Practical guidance emerges from this insight. Young people should engage with stories that inspire, challenge, and expand their vision. Seek out narratives—animated, literary, or oral—that cultivate virtues, explore complexity, and stimulate creative thought. Observe the struggles, victories, and growth of characters as lessons in empathy, courage, and perseverance. Likewise, mentors and parents should encourage this exploration, guiding young minds toward rich and diverse narratives.

Jeremy Shada’s reflection reminds us that entertainment is education when approached thoughtfully. It is not merely the hours spent watching, but the reflection, the absorption, and the emulation of values, creativity, and heroism that forge lasting character. As with the epics of antiquity, modern tales of animated heroes carry enduring lessons that ripple across time, shaping the hearts and minds of all who pay heed.

Thus, take action: watch, read, and listen with awareness; reflect upon the virtues, follies, and struggles you encounter in stories; and allow these narratives to illuminate your own path. In doing so, the seemingly simple act of growing up with shows like Teen Titans becomes a sacred apprenticeship, forging creativity, moral insight, and resilience—a testament to the eternal power of stories to mold the soul, as they have since the dawn of human memory.