The adolescence of Belenski and Bakunin, two of the seminal figures of nineteenth century Russian intellectual life, is examined in this paper. Both repudiated tradition, authority, and custom during their passage through adolescence, and both embraced German idealism. This philosophy provided for the two young intellectuals a convenient structure within which their asceticism could be rationalized. In Belenski's case the resolution of adolescent conflicts resulted in his acceptance of his sexual impulses and enabled him eventually to marry and begin his illustrious literary career. In contrast, Bakunin remained in a state of prolonged adolescence and hence was unable to consummate a relationship with a woman. Throughout his adult life he continued to indulge in grandiose fantasies of limitless possibilities in life. Bakunin's revolutionary schemes never became more than fantasies while in Belenski's case, he was able to transform the defensive operations of adolescence into adaptive ones, become a husband and father, and ultimately a major figure in Russian social and intellectual history.