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Because this is a highly unusual and complex thing for someone that young to accomplish? We should applaud them for their dedication and results. There's soooop

Because this is a highly unusual and complex thing for someone that young to accomplish? We should applaud them for their dedication and results. There's soooop much that can distract youth (or anyone of any age) from completing a pursuit like this. To the point I find your comment to be pedantic and ageist.

_8j50 3y ago
Your expectation that age should have prevented OP from doing cool things is what is ageist and harmful to the success of youth. A 17 year old can revolutionize the world if they wanted to, lest you "adults" set such a low bar.
- skullone 3y ago
  But not many 17 year olds change the world. The standout people usually gain some form of recognition and cheers from people. Unless you're one of the "everyone's achievements are equal!" kind of person.
  - _8j50 3y ago
    If I was 17, did something cool and everyone acted shocked because of my age, I would feel like that was limit. But if my work was celebrated for its merit, then I would keep at it, doing even more cool stuff. Let me ask you honestly though, what is the difference between a 17 year old and a 50 year old doing the same thing if both started learning to code around the same time? The only message you are sending is that you had lower expectations because of their age. If you celebrate their work on its own, then they know they are accomplished no matter who they are stacked against. I don't care if it was a senior SWE at google who did this, I'd be equally as impressed, and that is what I want this person to know. They are not accomplished for their small age, they are accomplished period. In general I don't think everyone's accomplishments are equal. For example becoming a medical doctor at that age is very impressive agr considered. But for the software industry, the accesibility of information and tooling makes everyone with the same amount of free time, whether a 60 year old in africa or a 12 year old in california on equal footing. Flattery can often be harmful, especially when lacking objectivity.
_Algernon_ 3y ago
This is a highly unusual and complex thing for anyone to accomplish. Why not let the achievement stand for itself? Mentioning one's age screams insecurity (though to be fair, that is to be expected from teenagers). And as this comment chain illustrates it also partially derails the conversation to discussing his age, instead of his actual achievement.

_8j50 3y ago

Your expectation that age should have prevented OP from doing cool things is what is ageist and harmful to the success of youth. A 17 year old can revolutionize the world if they wanted to, lest you "adults" set such a low bar.

skullone 3y ago
But not many 17 year olds change the world. The standout people usually gain some form of recognition and cheers from people. Unless you're one of the "everyone's achievements are equal!" kind of person.
- _8j50 3y ago
  If I was 17, did something cool and everyone acted shocked because of my age, I would feel like that was limit. But if my work was celebrated for its merit, then I would keep at it, doing even more cool stuff. Let me ask you honestly though, what is the difference between a 17 year old and a 50 year old doing the same thing if both started learning to code around the same time? The only message you are sending is that you had lower expectations because of their age. If you celebrate their work on its own, then they know they are accomplished no matter who they are stacked against. I don't care if it was a senior SWE at google who did this, I'd be equally as impressed, and that is what I want this person to know. They are not accomplished for their small age, they are accomplished period. In general I don't think everyone's accomplishments are equal. For example becoming a medical doctor at that age is very impressive agr considered. But for the software industry, the accesibility of information and tooling makes everyone with the same amount of free time, whether a 60 year old in africa or a 12 year old in california on equal footing. Flattery can often be harmful, especially when lacking objectivity.

_Algernon_ 3y ago

This is a highly unusual and complex thing for anyone to accomplish. Why not let the achievement stand for itself? Mentioning one's age screams insecurity (though to be fair, that is to be expected from teenagers). And as this comment chain illustrates it also partially derails the conversation to discussing his age, instead of his actual achievement.