I feel like a big part of why you behave that way more than other people is just that you’re more energetic and curious.
It’s also interesting that your version of neotony doesn’t include a bunch of the irresponsible or immature aspects of youth. I suspect that even when you were young you seemed pretty crotchety in a bunch of ways.
I love this attitude, this approach to life. I'm 82 and retired from my econ-prof job, but definitely far from being retired. Most people don't believe me when I tell them my age. I love having fun, and much of it is what many people might describe as "juvenile or puerile".
Happy birthday. Agreed. I never understood hwhy to so many people, "growing up" means you have to abandon childish pleasures. Sure, you can ADD ON more "adult" pleasures, like alcohol. But hwhy can't you drink and slide? lol!
On my 50th birthday, over two decades ago, an acquaintance told me, "It's OK, 50 is the new 30." A long time friend nearby responded, "In Rodger's case, 50 is the new 12."
If "to everything there is a season," the seasons of one's life may be called upon according to the occasion. Indulging in joy and wonder reminiscent of youth is more rewarding, and certainly more socially permissible, when one has actually achieved something as an adult. The famous picture of Einstein sticking his tongue out wouldn't register the same if he weren't already renowned as a genius. Never forsake the gift of playful genius, Bryan!
BTW & FYI, lift tickets at Mammoth Mountain are free for skiers 80 or older. (I'm getting a knee replaced now so I'm ready in a few years.)
Yeah I don’t find that compelling. I’m very similar to Bryan in how he describes himself in this post. However, a good majority of my peers don’t share my curiosity and glee for learning, playing, and living life and none of us have real jobs. There is one exception, though. One of my friends has a chess teaching business, and he’s even more neotonous than I am. I really don’t think it’s job dependent
Don't most people grow up because of the pressures of earning a livelihood? The number of happy childhood friends who now lament becoming a "corporate slave" are too many
Happy 55th! Your embrace of neoteny is inspiring—choosing fun, adventure, and curiosity over the conventional path of aging. Life is meant to be lived with enthusiasm, and your energy is contagious.
Happy birthday!
I feel like a big part of why you behave that way more than other people is just that you’re more energetic and curious.
It’s also interesting that your version of neotony doesn’t include a bunch of the irresponsible or immature aspects of youth. I suspect that even when you were young you seemed pretty crotchety in a bunch of ways.
Happy Birthday! And may there be many more!
I love this attitude, this approach to life. I'm 82 and retired from my econ-prof job, but definitely far from being retired. Most people don't believe me when I tell them my age. I love having fun, and much of it is what many people might describe as "juvenile or puerile".
Happy birthday! I feel the same. I wonder if it's a Gen X thing.
Cool! Neotony! Didn't know that word and far more adult than the explanation I used: Peter Pan Syndrome - "I'll never grow up, I'll never grow up!"
Happy birthday. Agreed. I never understood hwhy to so many people, "growing up" means you have to abandon childish pleasures. Sure, you can ADD ON more "adult" pleasures, like alcohol. But hwhy can't you drink and slide? lol!
On my 50th birthday, over two decades ago, an acquaintance told me, "It's OK, 50 is the new 30." A long time friend nearby responded, "In Rodger's case, 50 is the new 12."
If "to everything there is a season," the seasons of one's life may be called upon according to the occasion. Indulging in joy and wonder reminiscent of youth is more rewarding, and certainly more socially permissible, when one has actually achieved something as an adult. The famous picture of Einstein sticking his tongue out wouldn't register the same if he weren't already renowned as a genius. Never forsake the gift of playful genius, Bryan!
BTW & FYI, lift tickets at Mammoth Mountain are free for skiers 80 or older. (I'm getting a knee replaced now so I'm ready in a few years.)
"Dr. [William] Robertson used frequently to say, that in Mr. Hume’s gaiety
there was something which approached to infantine; and that he had found the same
thing so often exemplified in the circle of his other friends, that he was almost
disposed to consider it as characteristical of genius."
— Dugald Stewart, 1802
Happy birthday, Bryan!
It's different for people who have a real job.
Yeah I don’t find that compelling. I’m very similar to Bryan in how he describes himself in this post. However, a good majority of my peers don’t share my curiosity and glee for learning, playing, and living life and none of us have real jobs. There is one exception, though. One of my friends has a chess teaching business, and he’s even more neotonous than I am. I really don’t think it’s job dependent
Clint Eastwood says it this way: "I never let the old man in."
hallelujah!!
Don't most people grow up because of the pressures of earning a livelihood? The number of happy childhood friends who now lament becoming a "corporate slave" are too many
So long as we have health and enough income, neoteny makes sense. Absent either, the reality of life can get in the way.
Being a tenured academic likely has something to do with why you can prioritize having fun and don't look forward to retirement.
Happy 55th! Your embrace of neoteny is inspiring—choosing fun, adventure, and curiosity over the conventional path of aging. Life is meant to be lived with enthusiasm, and your energy is contagious.
I'm 77 and I agree!