Maurice Sendak: 'I'd like to believe an accumulation of experience has made me a sort of a grown-up person, so I can have judgment and taste and whatever.'

I'd like to believe an accumulation of experience has made me a sort of a grown-up person, so I can have judgment and taste and whatever.

Maurice Sendak, the beloved children's author and illustrator, once mused, "I'd like to believe an accumulation of experience has made me a sort of a grown-up person, so I can have judgment and taste and whatever." At first glance, this quote may appear straightforward, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and maturity. Sendak, known for his imaginative and whimsical stories, likely recognizes that his accumulated life experiences have shaped him into the person he is today, enabling him to possess discernment and aesthetic sensibilities. However, beneath the surface lies a profound philosophical concept - the fluidity of adulthood and the notion that being a "grown-up person" encompasses far more than mere judgment and taste.In our society, adulthood is often associated with reaching a certain age or milestone, such as turning 18 or becoming financially independent. It implies an arrival at a stage of life where one possesses the wisdom and maturity to make informed decisions. Sendak's quote challenges this conventional notion by suggesting that being a grown-up person is not merely a result of time passing, but rather an accumulation of experience. Experience, in this context, transcends the realms of age and serves as the catalyst for personal growth.Furthermore, Sendak’s remark implies that adulthood is not a fixed state but a continuous process. It suggests that every new experience, every interaction, and every moment adds to the ever-growing tapestry of one's personal journey. Rather than being a static condition, adulthood becomes a dynamic and evolving state of being. Like a fine wine that gains complexity and richness over time, a person's character and maturity develop through the accumulation of diverse experiences.The idea of adulthood as a fluid concept prompts us to reevaluate the traditional dichotomy of adults and children. It encourages us to recognize the vitality and wisdom that can be found in those who have yet to reach an arbitrary age of adulthood. It urges us to appreciate the unique perspectives and creativity that children possess, challenging the assumption that maturity and judgment are solely the domain of grown-ups.Drawing on Sendak's imaginative works, such as "Where the Wild Things Are," we can find parallel themes of embracing the child-like wonder within us all. Sendak's stories remind us that the line between childhood and adulthood is blurred, if not entirely illusory. Through his fantastical tales and vibrant illustrations, he invites readers of all ages to embrace their inner child, to discover the enchantment hidden within the mundane, and to embrace the joy of imagination.In this light, Sendak's quote takes on a deeper meaning. It becomes not only a reflection on personal growth but also a call to embrace the vibrant spirit of childhood that resides within each of us. It challenges us to shed the constraints of societal expectations and allow ourselves to be captivated by the wonders of the world, to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. It reminds us that adulthood is not a fixed state to be attained but a continuous journey of accumulating experience and embracing the very essence of what it means to be human.In conclusion, Maurice Sendak's quote, "I'd like to believe an accumulation of experience has made me a sort of a grown-up person, so I can have judgment and taste and whatever," surpasses its initial meaning and significance. It compels us to question traditional notions of adulthood and recognize the fluidity and continuous nature of personal growth. It calls upon us to embrace the imagination and wonder of childhood, allowing these qualities to enrich and guide our journey through life. Ultimately, it is through ongoing experiences and an open heart that we truly become "grown-up people," developing the judgment, taste, and discernment that encompass a fully realized and vibrant adulthood.