ABSTRACT
The chapter argues that wonder at nature is innate in humanity and that all children feel wonder, irrespective of culture. It commences by discussing the author’s history of wonder and his personal experience where education failed to encourage wonder, indeed discouraged it. The chapter then discusses the importance of empathy and listening for wonder. It then canvasses how society can bury wonder in a child (and in adults). It then considers the problem of ‘biophobia’, where people can become ‘scared of life’. The chapter concludes that wonder is the birthright of each of us, but it is an empathic sense that is quite fragile and needs encouragement. Wonder can thus be buried – but it can also be reawakened and rejuvenated.
