''Wisdom of the Ages''

A child approaches her grandfather.

''Grandpa'' the child says. ''I'd like to talk to you about something.''
''Sure'' the grandparent replies. ''What's on your mind, Alice?''
''You see'' she continues. ''I've noticed adults are strange.''
''Strange how?'' the grandpa smiles.
''They're just like children...'' Alice hesitates.
''Ah!'' the grandfather snaps his fingers. ''Let me guess. They
manipulate and show childish emotions?''
''Yeah'' the girl nods vigorously. ''They play games just like children,
maybe a little less, like, visible?''
The grandfather stops trimming the hedges, turns around and looks
at his granddaughter. He then smiles and says, ''Adults are just like
children, except more is at stake. They experience all emotions
children do, perhaps they're a little more refined here and there,
because they wouldn't survive in an adult environment otherwise.
But, deep down, they're no different from you, Alice.''
''So'' the child pauses. ''Like, not everything they say makes sense?''
''Of course not!'' the man bursts into laughter. ''They're not oracles if
that's what you think!''
''So when should I listen to them?'' Alice continues.
''Listen to all and make up your own mind'' the grandpa smiles.
''Remember, they're mere mortals, you can't expect them to be
perfect. Just because some system tells them they're adults, it
doesn't mean they truly are. In fact, you can be more mature than
they are!''
''Thanks, grandpa'' the child grins. ''My parents would've never explained
this to me so...what's the word?''
''Eloquently?'' the grandfather replies facetiously.
''Yes!'' the child snaps her fingers. ''That's the one!''
''Alice'' the man leans towards her. ''Life seems complicated but it's
bloody simple, really. Just don't over-analyze stuff, it can lead to
paralysis!''
''I'll remember that!'' the child replies and walks away.

''Smart lot, that one'', the grandpa smiles and resumes trimming the
hedges.