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Sep 18Liked by Wendy DeGroat

Wendy - I am surprised that our questioning peaks at age 4 - I wonder if that is part of our cultures' struggle with science and more specifically climate change. Science seems based on the ability to ask questions and inquire as that wonderful quote from Septima Clark says. The counter pressure for children is also in her quote - the pressure to believe instead of inquire. Most of my questions as a child were about whether or not god existed. I suppose my questions were treated gently enough considering I was in East Tennessee at the time, but no one ever encouraged my questions about that. The expectation was that I would fall into line. Love this essay, Wendy. You gave me a lot to think about.

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Sep 19·edited Sep 19Author

Thanks, Dorothy. I expect, as your reflection attests, that there are many contributing factors--including faith, cultural expectations, human brain development, and more. I'm glad your questions were received with gentleness. How might your younger years have ben different if your questions had been encouraged? What do you imagine as you think back?

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I love that question, Wendy, thank you! I'll do some Journaling about it.

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