Credentials of Adulthood

Riveting and thought-provoking, Paul Young’s philosophical memoir Credentials of Adulthood: How human rights language is failing the world will leave readers questioning what “being an adult” truly means, and what qualifies an individual to be a true “grown-up” in every sense of the word. Reflecting on an array of subjects, such as the impact of familial death at a young age, self-expression, self-actualization, and even big band jazz music, Young ties these seemingly disparate ideas together through an autobiographical lens. Growing older, Young suggests, is inevitable. Growing up is something else entirely. Through deeply personal experiences, he explores the moments that quietly shape our understanding of maturity, identity, and purpose.

One of the strongest elements of Credentials of Adulthood is its thoughtful self-reflection. Young’s depiction of a rather bleak and tragic moment in childhood—a sick and dying father; a petulant son neglecting his schoolwork while he struggles with grief—demonstrates a skillful blend of philosophical questions and heartbreaking reality. Similarly, the recollections of other childhood moments—such as pinching pennies from his paper route for a boat that his father lovingly repaired, or the beautiful and sometimes dangerous harbour he spent hours exploring—are filled with an excitement and wonder that grounds the more grandiose subject matter explored. Young expertly threads the needle of philosophical inquiry and lived experience, making the work feel rooted in something more potent than simply querying what marks an individual as an adult.

While the core of this book is certainly impassioned, there is an occasional barrier between author and reader in terms of clarity. Despite the beautiful depictions of reflection, there are moments in the work that feel difficult to parse and may not follow a logical structure while actively reading the book. This is especially prominent in the latter half of the piece, where the connection between big band jazz music and the titular subject matter can feel a little vague in comparison to the earlier sections of the book. However, this vagueness can be alleviated through the use of Young’s first chapter, which provides a great introduction to the topic at hand and acts as a reference point for more challenging moments. As well, Young’s authoritative, albeit amused and curious, voice helps tie the whole work together.

Credentials of Adulthood is a fascinating reflection on education, maturation, and societal expectations for children and young adults. Young’s work feels perpetually relevant as new requirements for “credentials” arise, making Credentials of Adulthood feel like an evergreen read for anyone wondering what role we all play in society at large.

—CANREADS BOOK REVIEW

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