Samuelson on Adolescence

In analyzing the problems of young people in our society, it is tempting and probably typical to focus on early involvement with drugs and sex and rebellion against family, and try to identify the problem as too much freedom. Several recent articles in The Times have explored these themes (e.g., Samuelson’s column; and reviews and commentary about the film “Field of Dreams,” Calendar, April 21). It is not merely too much freedom, but freedom without responsibility that is the problem.