Why is it that my beliefs become more radical as I get older?

Question

Only two years ago, the majority of my beliefs (philosophical, religious, political, and otherwise) were fairly mainstream. While I wasn't a complete conformist, most of my beliefs didn't raise many eyebrows. Now, while not being too ridiculous or impractical, my beliefs are considerably more unconventional; some have even called them radical. While I may be wrong here, I was under the impression that one's beliefs become LESS radical as one gets older and gets over his rebellious teanager period. Is there some sort of crazy psychological explanation as to why I am becoming more radical with age rather than less radical, or am I just getting smarter? :)

Answer 1

As you age and have more life experiences, you become more open-minded.

Answer 2

Well, in high school I was a conservative.

In my 20s I was a moderate.

In my 30s I was a liberal.

I'm in my 50s now, and I'm a socialist.

Every time I cash a paycheck, I go further to the left.  I think it's called "becoming more closely acquainted with reality."

Kids are naive.  And it takes time to wise up.