Living in a country where people take their time, embrace the concept of “enough,” and genuinely connect with nature has profoundly influenced the way I see life. Without realizing it, I’ve started to slow down, let my curiosity lead the way, and take small steps back to reflect on how my life is unfolding. It feels liberating not to rush decisions about the future but instead to thoughtfully plan a path that feels right.

This slower, more intentional approach to life contrasts sharply with the country where I grew up, a place where everything moves at lightning speed. There, people hustle not because they want to but because they must. The system pushes them to grind endlessly, navigating the chaos of unchecked capitalism just to protect themselves and their families. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s a reality for so many around the world. People are so busy surviving that they don’t get a chance to sit still, reflect, or even notice how the world is changing around them.

As someone who learns best by sitting, wondering, and asking endless questions, I can’t help but feel that this loss of time to wonder is a disservice to humanity. Wonder fuels curiosity, creativity, and connection. Imagine what it could feel like to embrace your questions, to sit with them, and to marvel at the act of wondering itself.

When I stumbled upon The Wild Why by Laura Monson, it felt like meeting someone who values wonder and speaks openly about its profound importance. It relates with me who keep asking about the world and challenges the idea that wondering is useless or something to keep to ourselves.

Monson explores her own experiences of wonder and what it means to truly pause and marvel. She reminds us that awe as the key element of wonder isn’t about finding immediate answers or rushing to conclusions. Instead, awe invites us to stop, to take in the moment fully, and to simply be. It’s in these moments of not knowing, of just existing, that we connect with something bigger than ourselves.

This book is a reminder for a world that desperately needs to slow down and make space for awe. Wonder, as Monson explains, is not just about personal growth; it’s essential for the survival of our civilization. Without it, empathy fades, and with it, the very foundation of what makes us human. When we approach the world and its creatures with open curiosity, we rediscover our shared humanity that unites us rather than the differences that divide us.

In our fast-paced, productivity-obsessed world, we often underestimate the value of wondering. But wonder is what sustains connection, fosters understanding, and builds functional societies. It starts within our communities, with each of us giving ourselves permission to pause, to reflect, and to let our thoughts flow freely. Monson encourages readers to view their past with intention, like an archaeologist uncovering truths that can shape their present. It’s a powerful reminder that wonder is not about getting stuck in the past but about awakening to the richness of life.

As I finished The Wild Why, I found myself reflecting on how much we’ve lost in the pursuit of “success.” In this era of relentless hard work, we’ve forgotten our right to wonder, not just for ourselves but for the sake of our shared humanity.

So, take a moment. Sit still. Let yourself wonder. You might just rediscover the awe you didn’t realize you’d been missing.

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Author: Laura Munson

Publication date: 8 April 2025

Number of pages: 256 pages

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