Being Open To Learning and Evolving

Yesterday I started reading George MacDonald’s sequel to The Princess and the Goblin, The Princess and Curdie. As I stated in an earlier post I have really been inspired to dig in on a study of MacDonald. His writing is so genius and he wrote in that way that creates the characters in such a way that we can relate to them. It’s one of the reasons that I have fallen in love with fiction and fairy tales. I continue to say that in fiction we can get to know everything about the characters and take an introspective look at ourselves through the characters in a way not afforded by nonfiction. I’m so glad I have learned that so deeply from my scholarly study of C. S. Lewis.

One the first such introspective looks came early in The Princess and Curdie with an interaction of Curdie and the grandmother when it was said, “There is this difference between the growth of some human beings and that of others: in the one case it is a continuous dying, in the other a continuous resurrection” (p. 13). This interaction highlighted a profound difference in the human experience regarding personal growth and transformation. When he referred to “continuous dying,” he suggested that some individuals may become stagnant, stuck in negative patterns, or lose our sense of purpose and joy over time. In contrast, “continuous resurrection” signified a dynamic process of renewal, where individuals embrace change, learn from our experiences, and strive for personal improvement.

“There is this difference between the growth of some human beings and that of others: in the one case it is a continuous dying, in the other a continuous resurrection. One of the latter sort comes at length to know at once whether a thing is true the moment it comes before him; one of the former class grows more and more afraid of being taken in, so afraid of it that he takes himself in altogether, and comes at length to believe in nothing but his dinner: to be sure of a thing with him is to have it between his teeth.” ~ The Princess and Curdie

MacDonald encouraged readers to seek a life characterized by resilience, growth, and empathy, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from being open to learning and evolving. This perspective invites us to reflect on our own journeys and choose paths that lead to a richer, more compassionate existence rather than allowing ourselves to wither away. Ultimately, it teaches us the importance of nurturing our inner selves and uplifting each other through shared understanding and kindness.

Byron's Babbles