Sense of Wonder

IT OCCURRED TO ME as I was waking from my nighttime slumber that I am basically a happy person. A sense of wonder connects me with most things around me. My interests are driven by curiosity with a desire to learn new things. It certainly helps in my well-being.

This insight came to me after recently reading a couple of American classics that I had checked out of my library. I also remembered some words I wrote about my sons in my memoirs, which were recalled during these readings. These thoughts of wonder and curiosity merged into a new level of awareness and appreciation for the contribution they have made to my life.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain nicely tees up the topic of youthful wonder and awe. I enjoyed the author’s disclosure that he captured in these sentences in his Preface:

“Although my book is intended mainly for the entertainment of boys and girls, I hope it will not be shunned by men and women on that account, for part of my plan has been to try to pleasantly remind adults of what they once were themselves, and of how they felt and thought and talked, and what queer enterprises they sometimes engaged in.”

Life is an adventure for Tom Sawyer. His creativity, wonder, and inner voice came to life for a few days during my rereading of the classic. My earlier attempt was sixty years removed, likely muted by too many high school assignments. Tom Sawyer had a fanciful curiosity and a very active imagination. What a delight to experience his take on the world. It was so beautifully presented through Twain's eyes.

The narrative embodies youthful exuberance and cheerfulness – such delightful qualities that once came so easily in our younger days. It is the basis of my introspection. It hits at the core of my message today in my essay.

In my memoirs, I reflected on the curious nature I found in my young sons. What a blast it was for me to watch their developing interests. It taught me so much. My own words from a dozen years ago about both boys as they learned about the world, which they discovered while exploring our backyard, while driving in the car, or playing on the school grounds.

“Such wonderful innocence and curiosity. Today, my advice is to stay curious, as it is the cornerstone of a productive and happy life, keep finding stuff, keep rubbing your nose in it, and keep enjoying the wonder of it all.”

Rachel Carson, the famous environmental science writer (Silent Spring, 1962), adds some cerebral reflection on the phenomenon of youthful curiosity in a posthumously published book, The Sense of Wonder - a collection of notes she had journaled before cancer took her at a young age. I share a few excerpts:

“A child’s world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement. It is our misfortune that for most of us, that clear-eyed vision, that true instinct of what is beautiful and awe-inspiring, is dimmed and even lost before we reach adulthood.

Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. Whatever the vexations or concerns of their personal lives, their thoughts can find paths that lead to inner contentment and to renewed excitement in living.

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”

Powerful words from a lady who truly made a difference.

Here’s to staying young in our thoughts and actions.