Inner Innocent

I’ve never liked the term “inner child”.  Children are irresponsible, they whine, and they are not serious.  None of this, of course, is their fault.  We all start as children, and there is no other way to do it.  But I think many people use this phrase as an excuse to act like children as adults.

But there is a part in all of us, I think, which is childlike in important positive ways.  The capacity for wonder arises from this part.  Spontaneous generosity and affection arise from this part.  Curiosity arises from this part.  Happiness and joy arise from this part.  Connection with others on a deep level comes from this part.

I therefore propose the term “Inner Innocent”. Or perhaps “Inner Angel”.  I will likely come up with more terms.

I will add that I recognize that I am an odd mix of tendencies.  One moment I am talking about global tyranny, and the next I am writing things like this.

I forget if it was Christ or one of his disciples that said it, but I have always like the advice to be as innocent as a dove and as cunning as a serpent.  They are not contradictory at all: they merely exist at different levels of a well integrated personality.

Not only is there no need to be stupid to be a good person, it is strongly contraindicated.  There is no value in stupidity or naivete.  People who mean well learn.  This is the sign they actually mean well, and conversely the failure to learn indicates a motivation other than decency.