Being in the Navy, when I came home, it changed your whole life. You're 18, you go away for two and a half years, you come home - boy, you're a different person.

In the quote by Don Rickles, "Being in the Navy, when I came home, it changed your whole life. You're 18, you go away for two and a half years, you come home - boy, you're a different person," Rickles reflects on the transformative experience of serving in the Navy at a young age. His statement highlights how significant life experiences, especially ones like military service, can alter a person’s perspective and identity. The two and a half years spent away from home in the Navy, where Rickles was exposed to new challenges, environments, and people, had a profound effect on him as a young adult.

Rickles emphasizes that at the age of 18, an individual is still in a period of significant personal growth and development, making the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The time spent in the Navy not only shaped his view of the world but also helped him mature emotionally and mentally. The experience of being away from home and facing the realities of life in the military forced him to adapt and become more independent, resulting in a deep change in his character.

The quote also speaks to the broader idea that significant life events, especially those involving separation and new experiences, can shape who we become. Rickles acknowledges that when he returned home, he wasn’t the same person who left; he had been fundamentally changed by the time he spent in the Navy. This mirrors the broader experience of many who undergo transformative periods in their lives, be it through military service, travel, or other life-changing events.

Ultimately, Rickles' statement reflects the impact that major life changes, such as military service, can have on identity and growth. It highlights the importance of experiences in shaping a person’s character and worldview, showing how stepping out of one's comfort zone and undergoing significant challenges can lead to personal transformation.