Independence in Initiation into Adulthood, and Hard Choices, by Kirszner and Mandell - Book Report/Review Example

The central theme in the two essays is independence. Independence comes out as the core value of the development from youth to a self-reliant adult. The aspect of independence comes out in various perspectives. With independence, it means that the surrounding adults formerly safeguard the person. These will include the relatives, parents among other adults in society. This safeguarding is majorly against the consequences of their own actions while at the younger stages. This state of independence will enable them to choose their own conflicts, make conscious choices of action within the conflict, and be responsible for the outcome themselves.

This is the greatest step towards the establishment of self-reliance. As urged out by Kirszner and Mandell, the most important tasks for all adolescents are learning the skills that will help them manage their own lives and make positive, healthy choices. This transformation makes one develop a sense of self-governance, responsibility, independence, and decision-making, which together are called autonomy. In the story of“Hard Choice”, the character of Sarty appears so much dependent on his father at the first stages.

Sartylacks the independence required in the establishment of self-reliance while he remains struggling to please his father. Sartylater gets to the thought that his father’s way of thinking is not the best and noble way of doing things. The most interesting part of the story which makes it more effective is the fact that Sarty went with his right mind and choose not to stay in that type of upbringing because he knows what will become of his life. These are choices that in someone shape need and individual thought rather than following other people’s way of doing things, or believing that someone is always right.

In order to achieve the state of self-reliance and adult stages, one needs to decide what they know is right and making the choice to do the right thing or wrong thing.The two stories outline the various weaknesses among the youth. One of the weaknesses in the two stories is the way the youth struggle when entering adulthood, while they are still hiding various flaws. This is evident in the case of Eveline in the story, “Initiation to Adult”. This is brought about by the character among many adults who would not wish to give a chance to the teenage to exercise their independence, express their views or make their own decisions in life.

In conclusion, it is important for an individual to remain subjective to the adults. However, as this aspect remains crucial in demonstration of obedience, at a point of transformation, one will be required to establish self-reliance. This will begin with a state of following personal conscience and making own decisions, concerning what one thinks is right regardless of the perception of the adults as evident in the characters of “Initiation into Adulthood," and "Hard Choices”.