DnvrFox

ddez stated:

So, when is the age that folks generally reach that level of maturity when they no longer need to prove themselves by putting others down and building themselves up, have no need to flame, etc?

I know it doesn't happen at all for some folks; others are there at 20 years old.

But, all-in-all, what would be the general age, and why? Or, perhaps, there isn't one?

ntime60

I don't think age has anything to do with it at all. It could be environmental, i.e. how is a person raised, what is their value system based upon. I've known some really mature kids and some childish seniors.

Then again some of us could've been exposed to many things in our lifetime and as a result have no ego to feed, because we know life is just too short to waste time on that sort of behavior.

bobthib

Hummm... I just can't remember now.

big john

One of the guys at my job LIVES to put others down. It's pathological, really. I don't see age as a factor, however. I asked him once if his self-esteem was really low, and he said yes.
One time he got me to the point of rage, where I threatened to hurt him. Years ago I might have hit him. He backed off for a while, but he's back at it now.

McQz

42

ddez

Im thinking its mostly personality.Some folks just like to get a rise outa people.Most likely lack of self esteem.In my case its definately got older nothing to prove,been there done that.Cant win, dont prove anything anyways.

trustnoone

I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old. Either of those ages seem to be alot of fun

CACycling

When do we reach that age? It's when we decide to start hanging out in 50+. 50+ isn't an age, it is a value system that we've all adopted (OK, most of us have adopted) where a personal best on a 5 mile ride is just as impressive as a personal best on a century. We've reached the age where we realize the people are more important than the stuff or the numbers. The stuff and the numbers aren't bad, just not nearly as important as the people. The age we reach that level of maturity varies but acheiving it makes for one heck of a great community. Hats off (or should I say helmets off - no that might reopen the helmet/no helmet debate) to those here who care far more for the members than about stats or stuff no matter what their age. It is a pleasure to hang out with the lot of you.

miss kenton

I feel that some people will never get it and spend their entire lives competing with others, which indicates they are never really happy with themselves. I recently read an interview with author Kazuo Ishiguro, who is 54. He said, " I've realized that based on the time it takes for me to produce a book, I only have about four books left." I think that when we understand that we have a limited time here and we are "playing on the back nine", we can accept who we have become and be content with it or do something to change what we don't like and not waste time or energy trying to convince other people we are something we aren't. If we want to be something other than what we are, we actually have to get out there and do it-now.

stapfam

Hit on a point here- My upbringing was effected by the attitude of my Parents. Could have been the Values that they were bought up with- or WW ll or just their general attitude. I was bought up to think and care for others and I still do. My children were brought up in the same way but they are not the norm. Most "Junior" Adults seem to have a way of life that is not the same as mine or my Daughters.

I Think that there is a majotity of society that has not had the Firm upbringing that I had in that my generation that make me care for other people in the actions that I do. That Attitude seems to be missing in others of a younger age.

maddmaxx 

truely, that's when you get a grip on your towel.

donheff

I don't think there is a specific age. I think it is the tenor of the online community that makes the difference. This group formed partially as a reaction to some of the the negative aspects of other forums. The tone was set from the outset. No one who wants to light a torch would feel a part of this community. I suspect there are a few "mature" (as in age) flamers on the road forum. Some of them may even have a different online persona under which they sign on over here when they want a nice break

Floyd

People are like fruit...some reach maturity and are sweet the rest of their lives...some just rot and maturity goes down the drain.

Artkansas 

I don't think there is a magic age, otherwise Buddhism and working to sublimate your ego wouldn't have made it very far. We all struggle with it all our lives.

Except me.

tntyz

The particular topic has something to do with maturity level, too. Think Religion and Politics.

IMHO, internet forums themselves seem to be good at bringing out the worst in people.

John Bailey

Age is 59 this year, and next year it will be 60!!

John (sitting on the cusp of the 60 and over club)

Rick@OCRR

Not only is 42 the Magic Age, it's the answer to Life, the Universe and Everything.

Rick / OCRR

surfrider

Its when you stop competeing with others and start competeing with yourself.

McQz

A tip of the hat to Douglas Adams, who would have fit in very well with this crowd.

Garfield Cat

Concupisence

Retro Grouch 

I don't think there is a "magic age" for anything. Think about all the areas in which we've tried to set one:

Starting Kindergarten
Driving an automobile
Voteing
Serving in the armed forces
Drinking alcoholic beverages
Retirement

Which of these do you think is working well for us?

DnvrFox

Say what?

Had to look that one up:

Main Entry: con·cu·pis·cence
Pronunciation: \kän-ˈkyü-pə-sən(t)s, kən-\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin concupiscentia, from Latin concupiscent-, concupiscens, present participle of concupiscere to desire ardently, from com- + cupere to desire
Date: 14th century
: strong desire; especially : sexual desire

oilman_15106

Age has nothing to do with it. Riders in our group range from 72 down to maybe mid 30's. The competitive juices usually flow strong on most rides. Everyone has different goals but you know the feeling when you get home and you kicked someones rear that you normally suck their wheel.

There was an interesting article in the WSJ this week about being older and less competitive. The guy they featured was told to keep his heart rate below 90 for a marathon by his doc. When I read that I figured I would have to take the batteries out of my HRM to make that happen.

Snail Male

+1 Well said!

BluesDawg

So long, and thanks for all the fish.