I'm happy to report that my inner child is still ageless.

In the ebb and flow of life, there are certain truths that transcend the years, lingering like a whisper of timeless wisdom. James Broughton’s words, “I’m happy to report that my inner child is still ageless,” speak to the eternal youth that resides within each of us, a spirit unburdened by the constraints of age. Broughton, an artist and filmmaker, acknowledges that the essence of our childhood — that sense of wonder, curiosity, and innocence — is not something we must shed as we grow older, but rather something we can choose to retain, guarding it like a precious flame that fuels our passion for life.

The ancients understood this concept well. Socrates, in his dialogues, often spoke of the virtue of living in harmony with the soul's true nature, one that is untainted by the burdens of society and age. He believed that true wisdom came from returning to a childlike state of curiosity, where one is not afraid to ask questions, to seek understanding, and to look at the world with fresh eyes. In many ways, the ancients viewed youth not as a phase that fades with time, but as a state of mind, an approach to life that is characterized by a vibrant spirit, regardless of the years that pass.

Consider the example of Leonardo da Vinci, a man whose genius and curiosity never waned, even as he grew older. Leonardo’s works, whether in art or science, reflect an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, an openness to the world around him, and a sense of wonder that is often associated with children. His notebooks, filled with sketches and questions, reveal a mind that was always exploring, always searching for new ways to understand the world. Broughton’s sentiment, that his inner child remains ageless, mirrors the lifelong curiosity that Leonardo embodied. Like Leonardo, we too can maintain a sense of youthfulness if we remain curious and engaged, seeing each moment as an opportunity for discovery and growth.

In the East, the concept of childlike wonder is deeply rooted in Taoist philosophy. Laozi, the ancient sage, taught that the way to true wisdom is to embrace the simplicity and naturalness of a child. In his famous text, the Tao Te Ching, Laozi speaks of the importance of returning to the simplicity of the child’s mind, where there is no judgment, no pretense, and no fear. This childlike approach to life, according to Taoist philosophy, is a path to peace and fulfillment. Laozi believed that, as we age, we often lose this natural purity and openness, but that it is still within us to reclaim. Broughton’s reflection echoes this ancient wisdom, suggesting that the agelessness of the inner child is something we can all preserve, if only we remember to honor it.

The lesson in Broughton’s words is a powerful one: youthfulness is not merely a matter of the body, but of the spirit. In a world that often encourages us to become serious or burdened by age, responsibilities, or societal expectations, the inner child represents our ability to embrace wonder, to find joy in the simplest moments, and to remain open to the world with the same enthusiasm we had as children. It is through this childlike wonder that we can continue to create, learn, and live fully — no matter how many years pass.

Practical actions, then, involve a conscious effort to keep the spirit of the child alive within us. It means allowing ourselves to play, to explore, and to question without fear of judgment. It means embracing creativity, whether through art, music, or any other form of expression, and refusing to allow the weight of years or responsibilities to diminish the joy of discovery. Like Socrates, who approached life with a childlike curiosity, or Leonardo, whose genius was fueled by a lifelong sense of wonder, we too must make space for this in our daily lives.

Let us, then, take Broughton’s wisdom to heart. The inner child is not something to be left behind as we grow older, but a vital part of who we are. As we navigate the complexities of adulthood, we must continue to cultivate that sense of playfulness, curiosity, and joy that children embody. In doing so, we not only preserve our youthful spirit, but also deepen our connection to the world and to each other. Age, in the truest sense, is not defined by the years we live, but by the spirit with which we embrace each day. So, let us cherish the agelessness of our inner child and allow it to guide us, in both our personal lives and in the work we do in the world.