Most of you have probably pondered whether a child in their early years can be considered the same person as when they grow up. For some reason, I have recently found myself nostalgically reminiscing about childhood.
I can still vividly recall their adorable expressions, their innocent smiles, and the various endearing actions they would take. In front of the camera, they would dance and jump around, seemingly full of energy; in front of the television, they would joyfully dance to the music, carefree; in videos, their babbling voices still seem to linger in my ears; in their walkers, they would waddle back and forth, looking incredibly cute.
I wonder if all parents feel the same way as I do. I also think that perhaps the elderly favor their grandchildren because they miss the lovable appearance of their own children when they were young.
As children grow older, their minds mature, and they develop their own opinions, the once adorable facade gradually fades away, replaced by a more composed demeanor. Even they themselves forget the innocence of their childhood and the thoughts they had back then. So I ask again, do you think the child in their early years and the adult they become are truly the same person?
From the perspective of life's continuity, it can naturally be affirmed that they are the same person. However, if we delve into the realms of intellect and spirit, it seems that this is not the case. This contrast often stirs a pang of bittersweetness in my heart.
I truly miss that child from those days. I often find myself wondering where my two- or three-year-old child has gone. I know they haven't left; they have simply grown and matured. Yet, I distinctly feel that they have indeed departed, as that time has irretrievably passed, and even they have cast those memories aside.
Why do we so easily forget the past? Why do we forget our childhood? Is it really just a coincidence? What kind of mental state did those children embody? I am filled with curiosity, yet also with nostalgia!