“Getting along well with other people is still the world’s most needed skill. With it ..
. there is no limit to what a person can do. We need people, we need the cooperation of others.
There is very little we can do alone.” — Earl Nightingale As I observed two young boys playing together on the beach this past Fourth of July weekend, a profound realization struck me. Here were two complete strangers, aged just 4 and 5, who within minutes of meeting had formed a seamless bond of temporary friendship.
They chased waves, shared seashells and beach toys, and laughed with the unrestrained joy that only children seem to possess. In that moment, it was clear that these children didn’t care about politics, religion, social status or any of the divisive elements that often keep adults at arm’s length. They simply enjoyed each other’s company and the shared experience of being at the beach.
This spontaneous camaraderie is a hallmark of early childhood interactions. Young children possess an innate ability to connect with others, driven by curiosity and the pure pleasure of play. They don’t concern themselves with the backgrounds or beliefs of their playmates.
They see another child and think, “Here’s someone I can have fun with.” Their interactions are guided by a desire for companionship and mutual enjoyment, devoid of judgment or preconceived notions. As adults, we often marvel at the simplicity of these interactions, and yet, we struggle to emulate them in our o.
