The human body visibly evolves into a greater form as one ages, but does the mind and its values and beliefs follow along? As a living species, growth is natural and evident in almost all people as time passes, and the body, including the brain, can be seen to develop physically. But in a moralistic sense, the virtues learned and kept by people, taught to them as children, exist within each adult human being today. Adults are still children at heart shown by their desire for simplicity and leisure, recognition and control, and moments of joy and fun. 

Like children, most humans will typically take any valid shortcut to achieve an opportunity for relief, as well as accept the position to follow rather than lead, if it guarantees minimal effort. In Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, the natural human habit is displayed through  text that describes a person’s desire to think little and is always prepared to follow. Siddhartha explains the similarities the human mind has to an adolescent mind, as the common person prefers to be directed rather than to direct themselves, and in the context of the book, be led by Gotama. Children are known to be more “unfiltered” in a sense, almost always taking such an opportunity to make their life a little bit easier instantly. While adults are tempted to do the same in any equivalent situation, they must think twice before doing so, as society would look down upon a grown person trying to find the most convenient option for themselves, solely. But, even that won’t prevent an adult from giving into their child-like attitude and taking the chance.

Being appreciated and trusted brings positive feelings right? Just as much as any normal human would want such forms of recognition, so would one at the ripe age of 6 years old. Displaying aspirations for being granted control and earning recognition is the character Kikuchiyo from the movie, The Seventh Samurai. Kikuchiyo is chaotic and outgoing, performing outrageous actions that might be seen as foolish, but can also be seen as his attempts to gain respect and acknowledgement from the samurai, who he secretly looks up to. One may view this character as childish and immature, but in reality, he presents himself in the most human-like form possible, in comparison to the rest of the characters. Rather than concealing his true feelings and desires, he chooses to emphasize them, and center his actions around them. Just as a child would face what they want head-on, Kikuchiyo does the same, showing his childish nature that every human has as well, but chooses to cover more securely. Through this character, one can view a glimpse of an adult’s natural cravings and how alike they are to that of a child’s.

Everyone obviously enjoys the positive things in life, but some just choose to show their love for it a little more. As life goes on, it is customary for moments to become more serious, and for times of fun to be cut short. Though adults grow to have less amusement, that does not mean that they need it any less than children. Through the Global School Play Day conducted during my class, I was able to realize how much a secluded time of pleasure and entertainment is needed for all people. All people deserve a little break from the reality of life, whether it be from the finger painting in kindergarten or the business project due in a week. Adults may disagree or even think that one does not need as much joy as they grow, but the truth is shown when caught in a moment of happiness, where an adult can be having the same amount of fun as a child, regardless of their age.

Though one may argue that the human mind develops and changes over the course of life, ideals rooted in your childhood are proven to have a lasting effect on oneself. One may discard certain morals learned young, but forgetting them is more difficult of a task. All together, the mindset one has is solely rooted in what one has obtained as an adolescent and impacts the way all people think in the present. The natural yearning for clarity, acknowledgement, and pleasure prove how alike one’s mind is to a child’s. Though our physical state may change, our basic moral mentality will stay the same.