Feb 20 • 22:08 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia Postimees

The Power of Perception, Which We Lose When We Learn to Name Things

The article discusses how naming objects can diminish a child's magical perception of the world.

The article explores the intricate relationship between language and perception in young children. It illustrates this through the example of a child seeing water flow from a tap, experiencing a moment of pure wonder without any scientific understanding. This moment of enchantment is disrupted when the child's mother insists on practicality over the magical experience, leading the child to adopt a more rushed and responsible demeanor.

The author argues that this transition from a state of pure curiosity and wonder to a responsibility-laden perception is a significant loss for children. As they start to name and categorize the world around them, they lose touch with the innate magic and immediacy of their experiences. The narrative suggests that the pressures of adult expectations and responsibilities can stifle a child's natural propensity for exploration and imaginative play.

In essence, the piece reflects on how the process of learning and naming can lead to a more constrained worldview for children, urging readers to recognize the value of maintaining a sense of wonder in the face of growing up. It serves as a reminder that while language is essential, it can also serve to limit our experiences and perspectives.

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