The Sense of Wonder

«Para mantener vivo en un niño su innato sentido del asombro, se necesita la compañía de al menos un adulto con quien poder compartirlo, redescubriendo con él la alegría, la expectación y el misterio del mundo en que Vivimos». Rachel Carson (1907-1964) es universalmente considerada la inspiradora del ecologismo moderno, gracias a su libro La Primavera Silenciosa, en el que denunció el uso indiscriminado del DDT señalando sus dañinas consecuencias para la salud pública y la Naturaleza. El sentido del asombro es probablemente su obra más trascendente y desconocida. Pues más allá de revelar en su vida las agresiones a la naturaleza, su principal legado fue enseñarnos que no hay mejor manera de preservarla que experimentar show more su grandeza. Este pequeño clásico, traducido por primera vez al español, es un antídoto refrescante contra la indiferencia y una guía para captar la fuerza de los descubrimientos sencillos que Carson consideraba esencial para vivir. show less

The Sense of Wonder is an essay by Rachel Carson encouraging adults to help kids maintain their sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world as they grow into adults. She recounts some adventures she has outdoors exploring with her young nephew, the questions he asks, the things they observe, and the things they try to understand. In the edition I read, the essay was accompanied by photographs (from the 60s) of the natural world.

I absolutely loved this book. Carson is an incredible writer and really captures her ideas well. I liked the idea that it isn’t really necessary to teach kids things about nature, what is more important is to encourage curiosity, reverence, and awe, and knowledge will naturally follow.

A few quotes I show more really liked, although I feel like I could practically quote the whole essay:

“It is possible to compile extensive lists of creatures seen and identified without ever once having caught a breath-taking glimpse of the wonder of life. If a child asked me a question that suggested even a faint awareness of the mystery behind the arrival of a migrant sandpiper on the beach of an August morning, I would be far more pleased than by the mere fact that he knew it was a sandpiper and not a plover.”

“What is the value of preserving and strengthening this sense of awe and wonder, this recognition of something beyond the boundaries of human existence? Is the exploration of the natural world just a pleasant way to pass the golden hours of childhood or is there something deeper? I am sure there is something much deeper, something lasting and significant. Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. Whatever the vexations or concerns of their personal lives, their thoughts can find paths that lead to inner contentment and to renewed excitement in living. Those who contemplate the beauty of earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” show less

I had not realized this was an essay when I first bought this, and didn't realize that until fairly into the book. (Me looking at the kindle % and thinking it was going by awfully fast. Ha.) This was such a beautiful essay. Carson wrote of the importance of sharing nature to children, even if there is no knowledge attached to that, because learning with the childlike "sense of wonder" was more important to create a lifelong appreciation.

I really wish it had been longer. The language was absolutely gorgeous.

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A gorgeous, readable meditation on sharing nature with children. My takeways -- Watching the moon come up is more important than bedtime. Observing is more important than naming. So much is learned by osmosis, and by having a companion to slow down and explore with.
Well worth reading these thoughts from a world-changing environmentalists.

This is written to/about her nephew & the sense of wonder she enjoyed with him exploring nature when he was a child. According to the forward, she intended to expand on it, but I'm glad she didn't. She repeated herself a bit as it was. Excellent advice on introducing a child to nature, though. Something every adult who guides a child should read.

A lovely essay in a beautiful print! Enjoyed reading this & love the message it carrie’s about ensuring that your appreciation and, as the title suggests, sense of wonder should endure into adulthood. A shame that Carson passed away before she could complete this piece to her own satisfaction.