Mary Wesley: 'We're all like children. We may think we grow up, but to me, being grown up is death, stopping thinking, trying to find out things, going on learning.'

We're all like children. We may think we grow up, but to me, being grown up is death, stopping thinking, trying to find out things, going on learning.

The quote by Mary Wesley, "We're all like children. We may think we grow up, but to me, being grown up is death, stopping thinking, trying to find out things, going on learning," captures the essence of our ongoing journey as human beings. In a straightforward interpretation, Wesley suggests that maintaining a child-like curiosity and an openness to learning is what truly defines growth and maturity.To fully understand the depth of this quote, let's introduce an unexpected philosophical concept: the concept of "Perennial Childhood." Perennial Childhood, as coined by the philosopher G.K. Chesterton, suggests that retaining the pure wonder and inquisitiveness of childhood throughout adulthood is crucial for personal and intellectual development.When we compare Wesley's quote with the idea of Perennial Childhood, we find striking parallels. Both highlight the value of continual growth and resist the notion that we reach a point of completion or finality in our learning journey. Being "grown up" is not about reaching a stagnant state, but rather about embracing our innate curiosity and continuously seeking knowledge.Children naturally possess an insatiable desire to explore and learn; their minds are like sponges, soaking up new information with unbridled enthusiasm. As we grow older, we tend to lose this child-like curiosity. Society often encourages conformity and discourages intellectual curiosity by emphasizing the acquisition of knowledge rather than the pursuit of it.However, in Wesley's perspective, and in line with the philosophy of Perennial Childhood, being truly "grown up" means resisting this pressure to conform and instead nurturing our innate desire to learn and discover. It involves maintaining an open mind, refusing to settle for the familiar, and constantly seeking enlightenment, just as children do.The importance of Wesley's quote lies in its reminder that growth is an ongoing process. True maturity does not come from reaching a specific age or milestone; rather, it comes from embracing a mindset that perpetuates continuous learning. When we stop seeking knowledge, when we cease to question and explore, we become stagnant, losing the vitality that makes life truly fulfilling.Embracing a child-like curiosity may bring about an unexpected sense of joy in our daily lives. By rekindling our sense of wonder, we can find beauty in the simplest of things and approach the world with renewed fascination. This approach allows us to break free from the limitations and routines that often plague our adult lives, opening ourselves up to new possibilities and growth.Moreover, maintaining a curious mindset enables personal and intellectual development. It fuels creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and deeper understanding. By continuously seeking to quench our thirst for knowledge, we cultivate a wealth of experiences and perspectives that enrich our lives and help us make sense of the complexities of the world.In conclusion, Mary Wesley's quote reminds us that staying perpetually curious is essential for personal growth and fulfillment. We must resist the notion that adulthood means the end of exploration and embrace the philosophy of Perennial Childhood. By maintaining a child-like curiosity, open-mindedness, and a desire for lifelong learning, we can truly unlock our full potential and lead a life filled with meaning and continued intellectual growth. Let us embrace the wisdom in Wesley's words and approach the world with the wonder and inquisitiveness of a child.