Growing Young

The Story

In this revised edition of his landmark book, Montagu compels us to reevaluate the way we think about growth and development, in all its phases, throughout life. Humans are designed to grow and develop their childlike qualities, and not to become the ossified adults prescribed by society. Montagu demonstrates how our culture, schools, and families are in conspiracy against such childlike traits as the need to love, to learn, to explore, to be creative, to sing and play. He reveals the many links between physical and mental aging and tells how to prevent 'psychosclerosis,' the hardening of the mind, so that we can die young--as late as possible. 'The best statement ever written on the most important, neglected theme of human life and evolution.' Stephen J. Gould, Harvard University