Dag Hammarskjold: 'Maturity - among other things, the unclouded happiness of the child at play, who takes it for granted that he is at one with his play-mates.'

Maturity - among other things, the unclouded happiness of the child at play, who takes it for granted that he is at one with his play-mates.

Dag Hammarskjold, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, once said, "Maturity - among other things, the unclouded happiness of the child at play, who takes it for granted that he is at one with his playmates." At its core, this quote encapsulates the essence of maturity by highlighting the unclouded and effortless joy we experience as children when fully immersed in play. It suggests that true maturity involves reconnecting with that childlike sense of unity and happiness, taking it for granted that we are all interconnected and in harmony with one another.In today's complex and often divided world, we tend to associate maturity with seriousness and a loss of innocence. We think of it as something to be attained through acquiring knowledge and experience, often at the expense of our childlike wonder. However, Hammarskjold's quote challenges this notion by asserting that maturity is not about discarding our childlike exuberance, but rather about reclaiming and integrating it into our lives.By drawing attention to the unclouded happiness of a child at play, Hammarskjold is reminding us that our early years are characterized by a natural state of unity and connection. When children engage in play, they do so wholeheartedly, without inhibition or judgment. They are not concerned with differences, hierarchy, or ego; instead, they effortlessly find common ground with their playmates.This insightful quote has the power to shift our perspective from a narrow understanding of maturity as a loss, to a more expansive perception that incorporates the wisdom of our childhood selves. Hammarskjold invites us to reflect on how we can embrace this childlike happiness, not as an infantile regression, but as a source of profound insight and growth.Let us now introduce an unexpected philosophical concept into the conversation: the concept of "Tao" from ancient Chinese philosophy. Tao denotes the way or path, representing the underlying harmony of the universe. In many ways, Hammarskjold's quote resonates with the concept of Tao – the idea that true wisdom lies in living in accordance with the natural flow of life and embracing the interconnectedness of all things.The child at play, as presented by Hammarskjold, embodies the Taoist ideal of being perfectly attuned to the present moment, effortlessly flowing with the rhythms of life. In Taoism, there is an understanding that by letting go of division, ego, and preconceived notions, we can tap into our inherent unity with others and the world around us. This state of unity resembles the unclouded happiness of the child at play, who takes it for granted that they are at one with their playmates.Interestingly, both Hammarskjold's quote and the concept of Tao reinforce the idea that maturity does not imply a departure from childlike joy, but rather a return to it. They remind us that true maturity is not about accumulating knowledge or adhering to societal expectations, but about rediscovering our innate unity and embracing the happiness that naturally arises when we let go of divisions.In conclusion, Dag Hammarskjold's quote provides us with a refreshing perspective on maturity, urging us to reclaim the unclouded happiness and unity we experienced as children. By reimagining maturity as a harmonious integration of childlike joy and wisdom, we can establish connections with others based on a deep recognition of our shared humanity. This approach aligns with the Taoist concept of living in harmony with the natural flow of life, where unity and interconnectedness are seen as fundamental to true wisdom and fulfillment. So, let us not forget the unclouded happiness of the child at play within us, and may it guide us towards a more mature and interconnected existence.