Astonishment occurs when something unthinkable or unexpected happens.
Astonishment is known as the surprise , stupefaction , astonishment or dismay that occurs due to something unexpected or unthinkable . Amazement can be provoked by a positive event (pleasant), but also by a negative event (harmful or painful).
For example: “The level of play shown by the Catalan team never ceases to amaze football lovers,” “I can't get over my amazement! Last night I saw how Santiago kissed Daniela” , “The technological development of the city usually generates amazement among visitors.”
Surprising findings or situations
A scientific discovery can be astonishing. Suppose that all known specimens of a certain species of insect measure no more than 5 centimeters. If an entomologist discovers a family of these insects with sizes exceeding 10 centimeters, the discovery will generate astonishment throughout the scientific community.
Various situations that modify everyday life are also capable of causing astonishment. If a man who is married and has children and grandchildren suddenly begins to walk the streets of his neighborhood dressed as a woman, his appearance will likely cause astonishment in all the people who know him. Astonishment does not imply a positive or negative reaction : it is associated with the surprise caused by what was not in the forecast.
The capacity for wonder is associated with an individual's ability to be surprised and learn from what is new.
Capacity for wonder
The ability of people to be surprised by what is new and learn from it is called the capacity for wonder . This capacity is also linked to the adaptation of individuals to a changing environment, since amazement derives from a change in expectations.
Needless to say, human beings are not the only ones capable of being amazed, since the rest of the animals also react in this way to things that exceed the framework of what is known and can learn from them to understand them and, at best, cases, control them for their own benefit. Living with dogs and cats, among other species considered domestic, millions of people observe every day how their four-legged companions adapt admirably to our structures.
After all, wonder is the first step towards reflection and contemplation , two fundamental points of philosophy. To elevate ourselves, it is first necessary to recognize ourselves in a position of inferiority with respect to knowledge; This does not mean that we should despise ourselves but, in any case, evaluate ourselves fairly and accurately. No one can possess absolute knowledge, and that is why amazement arises in the face of the unknown; Once at this point, we have two options: ignore it or try to understand it.
The change from childhood to adulthood
We often associate the capacity for wonder with childhood, although the link between both concepts is nothing more than a result of social impositions . While it is true that children face a greater volume of new and shocking situations every day, adulthood allows us to go in search of new horizons, beyond our circle of security. Paying attention to curiosity is a healthy practice; appeasing her is dangerous.
The great creations that revolutionize science and technology would not be possible if their authors left their talents raw, but must polish them based on techniques and knowledge. For this, the aforementioned humility is necessary, which gives rise to amazement at everything that is above their possibilities and encourages them to tear down their walls.
In childhood, therefore, wonder is inevitable, since it is one of the fundamental resources we have to grow and develop. In adulthood, on the other hand, it is optional, although its benefits are incalculable in reaching the highest levels of self-knowledge and self-improvement.