We are human. Most of us want validation from others. We need to be part of the group, valued
and liked by our peers. However, there comes a time where their opinions affect our destinies,
begging the question, should we listen? Romeo and Juliet is an example of when listening to
their elders could have saved their lives, and instead, they acted on what they thought was love.
Lexi Tucker also brings up some good points on how their age affected their decision-making,
another reason why they should have listened. “Wisdom of the crowd” is an excellent way to put
it; the opinions of others should be taken into consideration, and that consideration should and
inevitably will affect our choices and destinies.
In the play Romeo and Juliet, they were warned that acting on such quick feelings, especially
with their family’s feud, was not wise. Yet every time, they did not listen to their opinions.
“These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume: the sweetest honey
He is loathsome in his own deliciousness
And in the taste confounds the appetite:
Therefore love moderately; long love doth so;
Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow.”
This excerpt from the text shows that Friar Laurence is hesitant, warning Romeo that marrying
so soon would not work out. He was right; their “violent delights” had “violent ends.” Had Romeo
listened, their lives may have turned for the better.
There is also the factor of age and how it affected their decision-making. Lexi Tucker, who has a
degree in neuropsychology, sheds light on this.
“...the prefrontal cortex is the area that has an important job: it helps boss around the
other parts of your brain so that you can make solid decisions, organize your thoughts,
plan ahead, and anticipate consequences.The only problem is that the prefrontal cortex
is slow to grow. In fact, it does not seem to be fully developed until about age 25.”
Romeo and Juliet were both minors (Romeo a “young adult,” Juliet 14); their brains had not
developed fully. But Friar Laurance had a fully developed prefrontal cortex. He had more
experience and a greater ability to think logically; another reason they should have listened.
On the other hand, many people disagree with the statement. “I personally believe that other
opinions should not affect our choices and/or destiny. [Our] destiny should be determined by our
own opinions and choices,” says 23edavis2. “Why, he’s a man of wax!” the nurse says to Juliet.
(Act1, Scene3). In this quote, she implies that Paris is the ideal man. She continues, talking
about how good Paris would be for Juliet. This supports 23edavis2’s statement: had she
listened to the nurse, she would have been forced into an unhappy marriage at a very young
age. However, this furthers my point that considering the opinions of others is necessary,
keyword consider.
Our choices and destinies are bound to change and evolve, and others’ opinions could be
crucial. With examples from Romeo and Juliet and Lexi Tucker’s professional opinion, the fact
that we must take into account the opinions of others was made very clear. Taking them into
consideration can help up make better decisions. Rather than walking blindly, you can gain
insight that can change your life. Consider the opinions of others, but never let them control your
life.