We can think of childhood innocence as appropriately immature, characterized by magic, imagination, naivete, and ignorance. It appears some of the early magic can spill over into adulthood, not contributing to a robust maturation. However, can some of the initial enchantment actually support our development? I’m suggesting that there is a mature innocence that can augment our emotional and cognitive broadening.

Let’s explore some distinguishing features between immature and mature innocence.

Speaking hyperbolically. Mark Twain was a master of the literary use of hyperbole: “I was quaking from head to foot, and could have hung my hat on my eyes, they stuck out so far.” It is expected to interject hyperbole in everyday conversation: “I was dying of laughter,” “I haven’t seen him in a million years.” Children naturally speak hyperbolically: “This fire truck is the best in the whole world!” “No one will ever see a circus better than this one!” Children use hyperbole to express excitement and more subtle emotions such as gratitude, surprise, enthusiasm, pleasure, and satisfaction.

What happens when hyperbole is woven through an adult’s regular use of language? It becomes a coping mechanism. Lovely everyday experiences are vaulted into majestic status: “Wow! These........

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