Monday, April 20, 2009
Neoteny
I think the fact that humans can possess the quality of neoteny, which is the prolonging of infantile characteristics throughtout maturity, is a good characterisitc to have. This includes an affinity towards animals. Why should adults be seen as emotionally immature just because they have an interest in animals or other things? Usually these type of things are of interest to children. Another interest could be curiosity, which can expand the growth of an individual. Curiosity allows interest in many different things and aspects of life. Play, such as singing, dancing, and things of pleasure, is seen as a sign of intelligence in humans and other advanced species. Humans do it more than other species, and it is something learned as a young child. Neoteny allows humans to break the specie-barrier, which is much easier in humans than other species. Showing kindness towards animals isn't childish, but a sign of care, which I don't think is a sign of emotional immaturity, but a sign of love and compassion. Curiosity is a great characteristic to have because without it, humans wouldn't have as much knowledge as they do or growth, as was said before.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree with you completely. Midgley makes a great observation when she talks about scientists, poets and children being the ones to be curious and excited about animals and nature and I know very few people who would characterize a scientist as being emotionally immature (the poet I'm not so sure about...). In many ways, I don't think that adults outgrow any of these "childish tendencies." Instead, they outgrow the willingness to admit them and find "adult" contexts in which to practice them. For example, the scientist. If a kid loves bugs she can grow up to be an entomologist and get to play with bugs all the time without anyone telling her she's wasting daylight. If a little boy likes to play pretend he grows up to be an actor and can pretend all he wants. Furthermore, I have a theory that if we began manufacturing playground equipment to be large enough to accommodate adults comfortable, we would without doubt play on it. Sure, we would call it an "obstacle course" or some such name, and we would never admit that we were "playing," but we would play on it just the same. In reality, I don't believe we outgrow the tendencies to wonder, to question, to let ourselves be in awe, but that society tries to squeeze it out of us. For some reason, these things aren't socially acceptable and are viewed as childish, and so even when we practice them, we have to justify it under a guise of something more adult. Sad, really.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with this post for many reasons. People need to be curious about things in order to expand their knowledge. I agree with what Penny says with, "if a kid loves bugs she can grow to be an entomologist." It aslo goes with if a person loves dogs they can become a vet. I also see showing kindness towards animals isnt a sign of immaturity but love. I dont see how this kindness towards animals would be seen a immature. I feel people should be more curious with things to expand their knowledge.
ReplyDelete