I think there are worse things for a teen to be enraptured with

Hearken, O children of the ages, to the words of Stephen Moyer, who casts a measured eye upon the passions and fascinations of youth. He speaks of the enrapturement of teenagers, of the intense, burning attention that young hearts bestow upon the objects of their desire. In his meditation upon Twilight, he observes that though such fancies may seem trivial to the uninitiated, they are far less perilous than the darker, more destructive obsessions that might seize the tender mind. Herein lies a truth as old as humanity: the passions of youth, when guided and contained, may be harmless—and even formative—rather than ruinous.

Since the dawn of storytelling, elders have noted the consuming fervor with which youth cling to tales, heroes, and myth. The Greeks witnessed the young enamored with the epics of Homer, reciting the deeds of Achilles and Odysseus with devotion bordering on obsession. Their hearts, aflame with wonder, absorbed lessons of courage, loyalty, and morality. So too do the modern teens who read Twilight immerse themselves in the drama of love, risk, and identity. Though the object of fascination differs, the underlying process—the shaping of the imagination and emotional understanding—remains the same.

Moyer’s reflection is a gentle counsel against overzealous judgment. Many an elder decries popular fads, fearing that youthful obsession with tales of vampires or star-crossed lovers signals moral decay. Yet history shows that the young are often wiser than we credit: the energies of devotion, when directed even toward seemingly trivial media, can cultivate empathy, narrative understanding, and a taste for imaginative exploration. Consider the Victorian youth enamored with the novels of Dickens or the Gothic tales of Mary Shelley; their fancies, once scorned, fostered lifelong literacy, reflection, and creativity.

This observation also speaks to the necessity of perspective. Moyer reminds us that one may embrace a cultural phenomenon without being subsumed by it. The teen enraptured by Twilight is not necessarily lost to folly; rather, they are exploring emotional landscapes, ethical dilemmas, and the complexities of identity in a safe, imaginative space. In this, their devotion—even to the fantastical—is a rehearsal for the engagement with life’s deeper truths.

A modern example illuminates this principle: consider J.K. Rowling herself, whose childhood fascination with fantastical stories, myths, and fan-inspired creations ignited a lifelong devotion to writing. Though immersed in worlds that were entirely imaginative, she honed empathy, narrative skill, and creative discipline. Moyer’s insight is parallel: the object of youthful passion, however whimsical it may appear, can be a vessel for growth, provided it does not eclipse critical thought or virtue.

The wisdom of this reflection carries practical import. As guardians, mentors, and educators, we must discern between harmless enrapturement and true danger. It is not the intensity of youthful devotion that demands scrutiny, but the nature of what is being devoted to—whether it cultivates insight, imagination, or ethical reflection. By understanding this, adults can guide without judgment, fostering healthy engagement rather than extinguishing the vital flames of passion.

Thus, the lesson emerges clearly: the energies of youth are sacred, and their objects of fascination need not be derided. Even seemingly trivial obsessions, like a devotion to Twilight, can foster literacy, emotional growth, and the practice of empathy. Rather than restricting the imagination, guide it; rather than condemning, observe and illuminate. Moyer’s counsel is a call to patience, understanding, and the measured cultivation of youthful hearts.

Practical action follows: honor the passions of young people, engage in conversation about their interests, and encourage reflection upon the themes and lessons they encounter. Offer guidance, but do not stifle curiosity or devotion. In this manner, we transform youthful enrapturement into a crucible for wisdom, creativity, and resilience, ensuring that the flame of imagination continues to burn brightly throughout a lifetime.