The quote “It seems as if in the process of growing up we lose the ability to wonder about the world” can be rephrased into Albert Knox suggesting that as we age, our curiosity about the outside world weakens. He stresses the point that since we are revealed to the contents of this world excessively, it is no longer considered as a mystery and thus, we will no longer hold a curiosity or appreciation about it (an example can be Knox’s comparison of a child’s and an adult’s reaction to a mere “dog”). We do not wonder about the world as much since we think that our knowledge is sufficient.
A philosophical idea in which humans are different from other “living creatures” and “lilies of the field” is introduced. We are ‘different’ since we have the “rare capacity of thought”. He calls this the “faculty of wonder”.
Initially, I disagreed with Knox’s claim that as time passes by, our ability to wonder is lost. It just did not seem to make sense, how can everything we use today not be considered ‘creativity’ and ‘wonder’? What about this entire digital world created?
Then I realized that Knox meant their wonders towards the world. Towards a greater power, knowledge. Questioning our existence. Questioning who we are, what we are. Challenging provoking questions such as ‘Why are we here?’ Adults these days are more preoccupied with the hustle and bustle of life. The purpose of life to children might be to explore the unknowns while to an adult, to survive, care for their family and earn money. Exhilarating ideas about the world are usually left increasingly uncharted for as time ticks on. When questioned, they are usually referred to being “peculiar” and absurd. An example can be of Sophie and her mum’s conversations.
To conclude, I agree with Knox to a certain extent. No, grown ups do not loose the ability to wonder but simply subside it since new fresh ideas usually will not keep them “snug” and “deep” in the “rabbit’s fur”. An exposure of the greater knowledge of the world might change perceptions into something atrocious. It is the nature of human beings to want to know the answers to all questions but sometimes, answers cannot be provided to big questions such as life. Hence, most people prefer to leave it unexplored and unattended to since the ‘answer’ will probably something mentally unacceptable - out of their safe comfort zone.
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5 comments:
An interesting and thoughtful response. You are by no means alone in thinking that adult priorities mean that we don't wonder anymore, although your example of the digital world as a souce of wonder is entirely justified.- it is also a vast source of knowledge with all its problems and complexities.A couple of questions for you:do we stop thinking about deep questions because we are afraid of the answers? Is it acceptable not to think about them because there are no answers?
Great response! I agree with your point of view that adults subside their ability to wonder and to "leave it unexplored" as you put it. I think that it's a very interesting idea and may very well be true.
A very precised and to the point response. I agree with you that grown ups do not loose the ability, but they do not want to 'waste' their time in finding out questions that may never be answered.
"we are revealed to the contents of this world excessively, it is no longer considered as a mystery "
It is not we are revealed to the contents of this world 'excessively' but that the vast majority of us are GIVEN the idea to think about the 'contents of this world' and so, through the years we learn to accept the idea and our "faculty of wonder" or doubt about the idea is slowly removed.
Even though answers may not be provided, beliefs in theories and ideas as answers to questions may still come up.
People are yet to know for a fact that God exists (even though many belief it does), yet for thousands of years questions relating to the existance of God are still asked. Even if the questions are repeated (as no answer has come up yet), they are still asked as you say "it is the nature of human beings to want to know the answers to all questions".
I agree that answers may be something mentally unacceptable - out of their safe comfort zone, but as no answers have come up for many questions, i guess, many people are still in their safe/comfort zones.
Great response dear =)
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