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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2011 20:18:21 GMT -5
For some of you, this might seem like a strange topic, but I do want to talk about it, even so. To me, it seems that a lot of people (particularly adults, not saying this is any of you, adult NTWFers) are trying to expel the inner child from...well, everyone. And I think that's just plain wrong! I may be sixteen, but my soul, if you will, is...I don't know, 6, maybe 7 years old? I don't understand why today's society thinks that's wrong. Why are we being told not to believe in mythical creatures, that doorways to other lands don't exist, that the only proper way to live is to give up the wonder in your life?!  I don't know what these people are thinking, but I don't think it's making our world any better! Losing that special inner fairy is only going to result in bored, bitter people. And that is just going to lead to a grey cloud hanging over the entire planet. And people will be depressed, and angry, and it will lead to an increase of crime. Because as children, we are happy, and we see all things beautiful in life, and it's a great way to see the world! We hear the song of the wind. We notice the elusive mermaid in the water. If you think about the book (and film) Polar Express, you notice that only those who still believe in Santa can hear the bell ring. I think that bell is a metaphor for the magic in a child's life. Take that bell away, you're left with almost no soul. What do you have to say about this? Just something interesting that I'm passionate about. |
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Post by Dju on Jul 15, 2011 20:27:32 GMT -5
Sae, I don't even know what to say exactly... *tries to organize thoughts*
ANYWAY, let's start off by saying that I believe you misunderstood the term being mature and childhood. Adults want children to be mature so badly because kids are really naive and they hurt themselves a lot and often refuse to listen to reason, but that doesn't mean they don't want them to believe in fairy tales and imagination, they want them to bloom and do wonderful things for the world, but they can't do that walking blindly, judging other people's actions and generalizing things.
I learned this in a weird way, people told me I was really infantile, and then i questioned myself what was it...and I realized that being infantile is not liking cute things or drawing mermaids, it's being naive and following common sense.
^-^
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2011 20:32:50 GMT -5
Sae, I don't even know what to say exactly... *tries to organize thoughts* ANYWAY, let's start off by saying that I believe you misunderstood the term being mature and childhood. Adults want children to be mature so badly because kids are really naive and they hurt themselves a lot and often refuse to listen to reason, but that doesn't mean they don't want them to believe in fairy tales and imagination, they want them to bloom and do wonderful things for the world, but they can't do that walking blindly, judging other people's actions and generalizing things. I learned this in a weird way, people told me I was really infantile, and then i questioned myself what was it...and I realized that being infantile is not liking cute things or drawing mermaids, it's being naive and following common sense. ^-^ That's very interesting. Thanks for sharing! |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2011 20:35:38 GMT -5
People can believe what they want to believe. Just because someone doesn't believe in more fantastic ideas doesn't mean they're bitter and bored. I'd say everyone has an inner "spark"--euphoria, maybe?--a special feeling that's illuminated by something they're passionate about, be it art, philosophy, mathematics, or Australian jellyfish. With that passion in mind, what does it matter how one feels about fairies and alternate universes? That doesn't mean they're without a soul. There are people who don't believe in many of the things you do, but that doesn't make them soulless. They have their passions. They have their motivations. They have their sources of joy.
You can be an adult and still see the good in life. The problem is that there are many, many unpleasant things in life, and as you grow up they start affecting you a lot more. Also, for some, it's hard to believe in something unless you have concrete evidence. That doesn't make them soulless.
There's so much I want to say about this, but...blah. The words just aren't coming.
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Post by Jo on Jul 15, 2011 20:42:28 GMT -5
Not believing in mermaids or magic portals doesn't mean you have to give up all wonder in your life =3 There's nothing wrong with you believing in magical creatures if you want to do that, but if the whole world did then we'd probably be quite disappointed when we probably never discovered them XD
But yes. As I was saying. Just because when you grow up, you generally stop believing in magic, it doesn't mean you instantly become bitter. There are so many things in life to be passionate about: stars, marine biology, literature, painting, the laws of nature, history... The list is endless ^^
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Post by commissarburn on Jul 15, 2011 20:44:15 GMT -5
Society places a huge emphasis on so-called "growing up," where we heap on more responsibility and less reward. The world isn't as black and white, good and evil, as we sometimes think as children; instead it's some bizarre shade of gray, or even outside that, some hue of cyan or magenta or some other off the wall color.
We're told to grow up because we can't spend out time day dreaming. We have to eventually enter the work force and push papers and pinch pennies for a paycheck. We replace mythical creatures and Santa Claus with things like religion, and our toys get arguably bigger and more expensive. Instead of the Tonka trucks, we get cars. Instead of thin, big-print books, we start reading books inches thick. Instead of the Barbie Dream House, we take out a loan and buy an actual home.
While I agree that sometimes losing that childlike playfulness can be somewhat unfortunate and seems to leave the world a darker place, I have to say that a world built on wishful thinking isn't going to get us anywhere. The US debt ceiling will not magically go away if we just whistle a happy tune, I will not get my bachelor's degree if I spend all my time playing with stuffed animals, and hurricanes will not be any less severe if people play a game of dodgeball.
Just because children we are happy doesn't mean the world will work if we all revert to that time in our lives. Someone needs to grow the food we eat. And all the other products we take for granted. No work and all play means no electricity. No computers. No cars. And given enough time, that means we have no doctors. No businesspeople. No pastors and no publishers.
I won't pretend to say it's right to cut lose that inner child; god knows I tried that and I can only see where it got me. But from the way I see it, I suppose it's a necessary evil to at least lock it in a closet for a while and let it out after business has been attended to.
And no one said business can't be fun. Lots of people perform jobs that they really enjoy doing and feel a calling to perform. But as they grow up, they find things to do and enjoy instead of mythical creatures and thinking doorways to other lands exist. Heck, lots of people go out and find amazement in the beauty of nature and all that.
Point is, yes, sometimes during the growing up process, the world seems cruel and like it's trying to kill whatever magic you thought it held when you were little. But sometimes it can be there and it's possible to find things worthwhile to spend your time enjoying. It may not be as fun as opening presents on Christmas, but no one said the world was an easy place to live and sometimes it can be kinda harsh. But there will be things the world will give you as you grow up that might just be better that you can't have as a kid.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2011 20:49:22 GMT -5
Jo and Nat, I wasn't saying that people who didn't believe in the stuff should. I'm just saying that they shouldn't try to squelch such things in others, particularly children.
And Burn, I don't think you necessarily have to put aside all that in order to be responsible. You can be a computer programmer or lawyer or whatever and still have it (just look at my uncle, he's a lawyer and he tells me lunatics are bugs that live on the moon! XD).
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Post by Gelquie on Jul 15, 2011 20:52:33 GMT -5
Maturity and adulthood is not necessarily losing one's imagination. If it were, then we wouldn't have as many writers out there. And heck, imagination is still used in places that don't involve writing. In science, it may be a different type of imagination (like if you were you bounce on the ground, you won't bounce high into the sky), but it's imagination nonetheless.
When one becomes an adult, they have to deal with more responsibilities. When they go into the world, suddenly, they have to do everything by themselves. Get a house, get a job, maybe get more schooling, fill out paperwork, etc. They can't just ignore them because they want to play games or relive funtimes. If they ignore their responsibilities too long, life starts retaliating. It's just how it is. And some adults have much more responsibilities than others.
And then there's all the bad things in the world that they have to face. They can't be shielded from problems forever. Eventually, they have to face up to them, or at least acknowledge that there are some things they can't change. It may make the world seem darker, but it's still knowledge.
I'm an adult. A young one, but an adult anyway. I'm not 100% independent, but I do live by myself and have to take care of my own things. Stuff like paperwork I do very professionally and seriously so that the people filing them will take me seriously. And I do all sorts of work. But I still joke around and have fun when I'm doing it. It may not be stuff a child would play with, but I still have fun with it. (Otherwise, I wouldn't pick the major I chose. xD ) I will let me mind do fun things while I'm filling out boring paperwork, unless it absolutely requires my full concentration.
Adults can still have fun and fun with their imagination. It's just not as visible. Adults have to put it aside when they're faced with responsibilities. I wouldn't try to have too much fun if I were working with an unstable radiation core nuclear power plant, for example. Save the fun for when they get home.
Yes, there are some adults that completely lose sight of their younger years and their experiences back then. It's sad, but it happens. I don't think it quite happens as often as it appears to be, though.
As for the "forcing" thing, I think it's mostly just preparing them for the real world. If you just dive into it as soon as you hit 18 without preparations, you're going to be in for a long haul.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2011 20:52:51 GMT -5
Jo and Nat, I wasn't saying that people who didn't believe in the stuff should. I'm just saying that they shouldn't try to squelch such things in others, particularly children. I get your point, but when I read your post, it was hard not to notice this: I might have misinterpreted that; I dunno. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2011 20:55:15 GMT -5
I believe Dju hit the nail on the head, really. A lot of the time it's more the person's reactions and attitude rather than their beliefs, though those sorts of things tend to spring from core beliefs. If you truly believe doors to other worlds exist, mightn't you waste a lot of time searching for them? And if they're not there, mightn't you be very hurt? Better to weed out the irrational beliefs sooner so they don't cause pain later.
Furthermore, our childlike minds are also the parts of us that react in childish ways. As we grow, our brains develop higher reasoning and logic skill that we can put to good use and understand how better to react in situations, what is socially acceptable, what is the most productive course of action, etc.
I understand wanting to hold on to the "magical" things, because they're fun and interesting, but you can hold on to them in other ways that won't end up being detrimental to your life and interactions. I love magic, and while my logical mind acknowledges that it doesn't exist, I keep a hold of my ideas through writing fantasy.
My mother was kind to me. She always told me that Santa and the Easter Bunny, etc. were stories for the little children so that I wouldn't believe in them, but I also wouldn't spoil it for other kids whose parents had chosen to let them believe in those sorts of tales. I remember when a friend of mine found out I had been right all along, she cried and cried and it was obviously, for a child, very upsetting. I happen to think it's cruel of parents to lie to their children for temporary enjoyment only to see them crash later on It doesn't always happen that way, some kids just brush it off, but you can't know which will be affected by it, so why take the risk that your kid will get their heart broken?
So, no, it's not the wonder or innocence they want to destroy, it's the immaturity Your parents want to equip you with life skills that will allow you to function properly in the real world. If you still believe wholeheartedly in magic by the time you get your first job, I'm sorry to say this but you will be mocked and ridiculed for it. Wouldn't it be better to let these things go on your own terms and in your own time rather than to have to endure that kind of treatment?
In any case, the world is a beautiful place, and no one should stop allowing their childlike wonder to admire it in all it's strange and fierce beauty. <3
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Post by Jayeee on Jul 15, 2011 20:58:49 GMT -5
I completely agree with Dju on this.
I think the saying 'ignorance is bliss' is pretty appropriate here. Yes, it's bliss to not know about some of the horrible truths of the world, but there comes a time when that ignorance just isn't going to help you anymore. As a young child, it's okay to be ignorant about things; nothing is really going to happen.
But if you go through life believing that you can fly, being ignorant to the facts, and then you're old enough to carry a ladder to your roof and jump off... well that isn't going to be blissful. When you get older, being informed of these kinds of things is pretty mandatory, because it could be dangerous otherwise.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2011 21:01:49 GMT -5
Sarn, I know you don't mean to be offensive, but...I really do believe in this stuff. I'm not asking you to, but please don't try to change my mind. I would never, ever try to change yours.
Also, just because we haven't seen something yet doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Heck, we didn't know about single-celled organisms for - well, centuries! People only 100 years ago would find the idea preposterous.
Dju, I really like your point of view, actually. I think real child raising should be about not telling people what to believe, but telling them how to stay safe.
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Post by Dju on Jul 15, 2011 21:17:24 GMT -5
Also, just because we haven't seen something yet doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Heck, we didn't know about single-celled organisms for - well, centuries! People only 100 years ago would find the idea preposterous. Oh, actually there was this Greek philosopher who though about it thousands of years ago and he imagined 'what if i break a rock, than break the piece and go on?" and then he concluded it had to end at some point, so he named it atom!  *brick'd and dragged away for unnecessary comment* |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2011 22:39:25 GMT -5
Sarn, I know you don't mean to be offensive, but...I really do believe in this stuff. I'm not asking you to, but please don't try to change my mind. I would never, ever try to change yours. Also, just because we haven't seen something yet doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Heck, we didn't know about single-celled organisms for - well, centuries! People only 100 years ago would find the idea preposterous. Dju, I really like your point of view, actually. I think real child raising should be about not telling people what to believe, but telling them how to stay safe. It's not about whether magic and the like exists or not, but I'm telling you the hard truth - that the majority of people don't believe as you do and would unfortunately react poorly upon discovering your beliefs. Irregardless of truth, the world is sometimes cruel and you need to be prepared for it. Regardless, I'm sorry if I've offended or upset you. I tend to be pretty blunt about things. I'll try not to be. ^^; |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2011 22:44:00 GMT -5
Sarn, I know you don't mean to be offensive, but...I really do believe in this stuff. I'm not asking you to, but please don't try to change my mind. I would never, ever try to change yours. Also, just because we haven't seen something yet doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Heck, we didn't know about single-celled organisms for - well, centuries! People only 100 years ago would find the idea preposterous. Dju, I really like your point of view, actually. I think real child raising should be about not telling people what to believe, but telling them how to stay safe. It's not about whether magic and the like exists or not, but I'm telling you the hard truth - that the majority of people don't believe as you do and would unfortunately react poorly upon discovering your beliefs. Irregardless of truth, the world is sometimes cruel and you need to be prepared for it. Regardless, I'm sorry if I've offended or upset you. I tend to be pretty blunt about things. I'll try not to be. ^^; It's okay. And my planned lifestyle - the only way anyone would guess would be because I sang about it. (I'm going to be a singer) |
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