From the moment we're born, humans are driven by an innate desire to understand the world around them. And what’s one of the most powerful catalysts for this drive? Play! When children (and adults!) engage in play, they’re not just having fun; they’re actively exploring, experimenting, and satisfying their natural curiosity.
Think about a toddler dropping different objects from their high chair – they’re not trying to annoy you, they're conducting a physics experiment! Or a child meticulously examining a ladybug in the garden – they’re a budding entomologist. Play provides a safe, low-stakes environment to test hypotheses, discover cause and effect, and learn how things work. There’s no right or wrong answer in play, only endless possibilities for discovery.
This freedom to explore without judgment fosters a lifelong love of learning. It teaches us to ask questions, to wonder "what if?", and to persist when things don't go as expected. So next time you see someone lost in play, remember they’re on an incredible journey of exploration and expanding their understanding of the world.