I think you go through a period as a teenager of being quite cool

In the turbulent years of adolescence, there exists a time when the heart feels invincible, the spirit unyielding, and the world itself seems to bend to one's will. Miranda Otto once shared a truth that many, upon reflection, will recognize: "I think you go through a period as a teenager of being quite cool and unaffected by things." This stage, in which the young person feels detached from the struggles and complexities of life, is not merely a fleeting phase but a rite of passage, a time when they believe themselves immune to the pain, the suffering, and the limitations of the world. In these moments, the individual seems to be untouchable, moving through life with the confidence of one who has yet to taste the bitterness of true hardship.

The ancients, too, understood this phase in human development. In the epic tales of old, youth is often depicted as a time of recklessness and fearlessness—where the weight of the world does not yet rest upon the shoulders of the young. The Greek hero Achilles, in his early days, was a perfect example of this invincibility. In his youth, Achilles believed himself to be invulnerable, untouchable by both man and fate. It was only later in life, when the true consequences of his actions became clear, that he understood the delicate nature of his mortality. The teenager is like Achilles before the fall—untested, full of passion and pride, believing that the world is theirs to conquer.

This detachment from reality, however, is not necessarily negative, but a necessary stage in the process of growth. In the quiet moments of youthful arrogance, there is a hidden power. It is in this phase that the individual learns to dream boldly, to set aside the fears and doubts that might later emerge as the weight of life begins to bear down. The early coolness of youth is not just a defense mechanism, but a rite of empowerment, where the young person begins to define themselves in relation to the world around them. It is the belief in one’s invincibility that leads to the courage to take the first steps toward self-discovery, to explore and create, undeterred by what might lie ahead.

However, as the seasons of life progress, the young warrior’s heart must eventually face the trials that temper their spirit. Like King David, who as a young boy faced the giant Goliath with nothing but a slingshot and the strength of his faith, the teenager believes they can overcome any challenge. But as the world unfolds, they begin to learn the truths of their vulnerability. David's victory was not just a triumph of youthful bravery, but a lesson in the eventual humility that life demands. It is only through the confrontation with the realities of existence, with its struggles and losses, that one begins to understand the true depth of strength—a strength that is earned rather than assumed.

The lesson that Miranda Otto's words offer us is one of transformation. The phase of being "cool and unaffected" is not an end, but a beginning. The individual who passes through this stage without growing will eventually be stunted, unable to confront the challenges that lie ahead. Youth is a gift, but without growth and learning, it is a gift that will eventually fade. The coolness of the teenager must eventually give way to the deeper understanding of what it means to be truly strong, which comes not from invulnerability but from the ability to endure, adapt, and overcome life’s inevitable hardships.

For each of us, no matter our age, there is wisdom in reflecting on our own journey through this stage of cool detachment. Have we allowed the invincibility of youth to remain with us, or have we matured into a more balanced, grounded understanding of life? The coolness of youth may offer fleeting moments of joy and freedom, but it is the wisdom of age that grants us the ability to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. We must be willing to embrace the vulnerability that comes with growth, and learn to balance the confidence of youth with the wisdom of experience.

In your own life, consider where you stand on this journey. Have you embraced the lessons that come from moving beyond youthful arrogance? Have you learned to face the world not with the illusion of invincibility, but with the strength that comes from having endured and grown? True power lies not in the detachment of youth, but in the wisdom of those who have lived, learned, and evolved. To reach your highest potential, you must step into the world with humility and courage, knowing that the journey is long and the lessons, though hard-won, are the keys to becoming a truly wise and strong soul.