"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in." - Rachel Carson

This is the adult I want to be.

My ability to understand and share in the ideas, aspirations, desires, concerns, hopes, fears, and dreams of others is a sign of my own maturity.  If I'm self-focused and unable to do this, which life does sometimes demands, then my goal is to get back to a place where this is how I interact with others.

I remember adults who inspired me when I was young. Unfortunately, I also remember that there were those who made me feel badly about myself...  Perhaps the maturity of our culture can be measured in part by how adults treat children.