A Sense of Wonder

IT OCCURRED TO ME as I was waking from my nighttime sleep that I am basically a happy person. A sense of wonder connects me with most things around me. My roles are driven by curiosity with a desire to learn new things. It certainly energizes my well-being, which is one of my life’s benefits.

This insight came to me after I recently read a few American classics that I had checked out from my library. I also recalled some words I wrote about my sons in my memoirs, which were refreshed during my reading. These thoughts of wonder and curiosity merged into a new level of awareness and appreciation for the contribution they make in our lives.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain nicely tees up the topic of 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 this 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 view of the world. It was so beautifully presented through the author’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 and a challenge to us all. It hits at the core of my message today.

In my memoirs, I reflected on the curious nature I found in my two young sons as I observed them interacting in their world. 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 physical world discovered in 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 trying to improve things!”

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 that hit home to me.

“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 that made a difference.

Here’s to staying young.