Hard work doesn't turn them away, but busy work destroys them. Although they are no longer thirsty for facts per se, they have an ability to reason very logically, looking for relationships between things in the universe. Their thirst for this kind of knowledge is insatiable and seeds sown at the elementary level now begin to bud. Their awakening interests must be nourished carefully, for they are at risk in an uncaring environment. All ideas correlate to a central idea - the cosmic plan, learned at the elementary level, serving the great purpose of life.
Adolescents are naturally skeptical.
This is healthy in that they are questioning critically, but they need guidance to avoid depression. They need freedom to talk, to talk about what they want to talk about without imposition from adults. They are a bit afraid of not finding answers, afraid people will disagree with them, afraid of never finding the truth. Each must find out what they are good for, by finding out what they are good at. The knowledge of their own capacity fills them with noble confidence, almost religious dignity.