The Reivers Manipulation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

Back there in Jefferson I had thought that the reason corruption, Non-virtue, had met so puny a foeman in me as to be not even worthy of the name, was because of my tenderness and youth's concomitant innocence. (6.88)

Lucius feels that he was unable to be manipulated by Non-virtue back in Jefferson because he was young and innocent then. Well, okay, fair enough. But then why all of a sudden does he jump the chance to go with Boon? Is it just time for him to grow up? Is breaking bad a little bit just an aspect of coming of age?