Summary

The article "The Wizard of Oz Phenomenon: Why Real Adults Don’t Exist" suggests that the concept of a "real adult" is a myth, akin to the fictional Wizard of Oz, and that people are continuously growing and adapting throughout their lives.

Abstract

The author of the article reflects on the realization that the idea of a "real adult" being fully mature and having everything figured out is an illusion, much like the Great and Powerful Oz. Drawing parallels with the classic tale, the author posits that just as Dorothy discovers the wizard is merely a man behind a curtain, adults come to understand that there is no point at which one becomes a complete and finished grownup. The article emphasizes that change and growth are lifelong processes, and that even those in positions of authority and expertise are continually evolving and gaining confidence in their roles. The author concludes by affirming that the journey of personal growth never ceases, and that individuals have the power within themselves to navigate life's challenges without seeking an infallible "wizard."

Opinions

The author believes that the notion of adults having it all together is a misconception, perpetuated by societal expectations and childhood perceptions.
The article suggests that the transition into adulthood is gradual and that the sense of being an adult comes from recognizing one's own ability to handle life's responsibilities.
It is expressed that the realization of self-reliance and personal growth is more valuable than seeking external validation or guidance from perceived "experts."
The author implies that the fear of change is common but that embracing change is crucial for personal development.
The article conveys the idea that expertise is not a static state but rather something that is developed over time through experience and acceptance of one's role.

The Wizard of Oz Phenomenon: Why Real Adults Don’t Exist

Real adults are like the Wizard — they don’t actually exist

Image by welburnstuart from Shutterstock

Today, I had an epiphany.

Real adults don’t exist.

Background: my dear internet-friend Liberty Forrest, Author wrote an article titled, “Why Change Is Necessary Even When It’s Scary.” It’s a wonderful piece about the importance of change, and how wanting something to change usually means that something needs to change.

Historically, I have been dragged into change by one foot, kicking and screaming and clawing the floor. I commented on Liberty’s article, however, saying that as I’m growing up I’ve become more okay with change. I recognize it as potentially-maybe-theoretically an actual good thing.

And then I paused and looked at what I said.

I’m An Adult, But I’m Still Growing Up

I’m 33 and a half years old (that half is super important). I’ve graduated college and survived my 20s and gotten married and bought a house. I have two cat-children.

I have a sneaking suspicion I’m supposed to be an adult now.

So why do I feel like I’m still growing up?

It’s weird. And as I think about it, I’m getting a sense that maybe, just maybe, being a Complete and Finished Grownup isn’t actually real.

Real Actual Grownups Are The Great And Powerful Oz

We get an idea in our head as children, that adults are all-wise and all-knowing and have their shit together and know exactly what they’re doing. Adults are functionally The Great And Powerful Oz, and we are Dorothy quaking in our shiny sequinned shoes.

But The Great And Powerful Oz is a myth. It is literally propaganda fed to the population by a conman who is revealed to be a simple, normal person. When the curtain is pulled back, The Great And Powerful Oz is over.

The Great And Powerful Oz never existed at all.

Real Adults™ as children understand them never really existed either. And that is because all our lives long, we are never finished growing up.

We Are Dorothy: At First, We Think We Need The Wizard

My husband works at a regulatory agency. He and a group of colleagues were once called upon to make a decision about something fairly important to a corner of their field. One of his colleagues was new to the agency at the time, and when she was told the importance of the decision said, “shouldn’t we call in some experts for this?”

My husband replied, “<Name redacted>, we are the experts.”

We still talk about the oh god oh god oh god look on her face when he said that. And I feel like a lot of us have had that experience.

“Wait what I’m the adult making decisions now? When did that happen?? OH SHIT WHERE IS THE GREAT AND POWERFUL OZ?!?!”

The Wizard Wasn’t Real, and She Got Home On Her Own

When my husband tells this story, he includes the corollary: that they handled it. The decision turned out fine.

And now that colleague is several years into her job, making decisions and running projects like it’s no prob. She grew into her role. And the further she grows and the more responsibility she takes on, she’ll adjust to that too. And she’ll handle it, because she’s learned the important truth of adulthood:

We are the adults now. There is no Great And Powerful Oz.

Spoiler alert — Dorothy makes it home under her own juice. The Wizard is completely useless in this matter and actually departs without her (seriously, dude can’t handle his own hot air balloon? No wonder he crashed in the Emerald City).

Oz didn’t ultimately help her, but she didn’t need his help. She had the ability to do the thing, once she grew into the knowledge of and trust in her own ability.

Conclusion: We’re All Still Growing, And Still Growing Up

I’m in my 30’s. I’m objectively an adult. But I, like Dorothy, am still growing into my own knowledge and strength and ability. We all are. And we’ll never stop.

“Real” grownups means finished grownups. And they, like the Wizard, are a myth.

We never stop growing. We are never finished. And, also like Dorothy, we do not need the Wizard.

*clicks heels three times*

There’s no place like home.