Meaning: This quote by May Sarton, a renowned poet and novelist, reflects on the innate potential and brilliance of infants. Sarton invites us to consider the remarkable capacity for learning and growth present in every baby. She emphasizes the freshness, temperament, and willpower of infants, highlighting their unique and unrestricted potential as they embark on their journey of discovery and development.

In this quote, Sarton draws attention to the extraordinary abilities and qualities possessed by babies, contrasting them with the perceptions and expectations often associated with adults. The comparison made by Sarton serves as a reminder that infants, despite their small size and limited experience, exhibit a remarkable ability to absorb knowledge and adapt to their environment. This perspective encourages a reevaluation of our understanding of intelligence and genius, challenging the notion that these attributes are exclusively associated with maturity and experience.

The concept of "genius" in this context extends beyond conventional measures of intellectual prowess and encompasses the multifaceted aspects of a baby's cognitive, emotional, and sensory development. Sarton's choice of words conveys a sense of awe and admiration for the potential inherent in every infant, suggesting that their inherent abilities should be recognized and celebrated.

Furthermore, Sarton's emphasis on the "capacity to learn" underscores the significance of early experiences and the impact they have on shaping a child's future development. This notion aligns with contemporary research in child psychology and early childhood education, which underscores the critical importance of the first few months and years of a child's life in laying the foundation for their cognitive and emotional growth.

The "freshness" and "temperament" mentioned by Sarton allude to the unspoiled and unfiltered nature of a baby's perception and response to the world around them. This highlights the purity and authenticity of their experiences, unencumbered by the complexities and biases that often accompany adulthood. Sarton's choice of words evokes a sense of wonder and appreciation for the unadulterated perspective that babies bring to their interactions and experiences.

Additionally, Sarton's reference to the "will of a baby" acknowledges the determination and resilience exhibited by infants as they navigate the challenges of early development. This acknowledgment of a baby's willpower serves as a testament to their innate drive to explore, learn, and engage with the world around them, despite their physical limitations and dependencies.

In conclusion, May Sarton's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary potential and innate brilliance inherent in every baby. By highlighting the capacity for learning, the freshness, temperament, and willpower of infants, Sarton encourages us to reexamine our perceptions of intelligence and genius, emphasizing the unique qualities and abilities that babies possess. This perspective invites us to appreciate and nurture the unbounded potential of infants as they embark on their lifelong journey of growth and discovery.