Wonder & Freedom

A reflection on what we lose and can find again

Funny, isn’t it, how quickly we pass it by—that feeling of wonder. Most people associate luxury with expensive things: a watch that costs more than a small car, a resort with an infinity pool, or a glass of wine you’re meant to smell more than drink. But in recent years, I’ve come to think that true luxury has much less to do with money—and far more with how you see the world.

For more than 10 years of my working life, I was a teacher. Mainly in secondary schools, and the last two years in primary schools. Looking back, I can say with full conviction that those last two years were by far the most enjoyable.

Throughout my years in secondary education, I was always critical of my role as a teacher, of the organization, and of the system itself. I constantly asked myself what the best way is to pass on knowledge. My philosophy has always been that learning should be fun and engaging. Passing on information just to meet the curriculum, to pass exams, or to chase high scores should never be the primary goal.

A small side note: through our son, we were introduced to Democratic education for a few years. Of course, there’s plenty to critique there as well, but the perspective that has stuck with me is all about intrinsic motivation. No one needs to teach a human being how to crawl, walk, or talk—it happens naturally, on its own.

That intrinsic motivation is still so present in primary school children, and it slowly fades once they enter secondary school. In my view, this is largely because mandatory learning content stifles the motivation to take initiative, to wonder, to explore.

And let’s be honest—adults also prefer activities we choose ourselves. When something is mandatory—paying taxes, doing groceries, emptying the dishwasher—we don’t exactly run toward it with joy (or we’d rather not do it at all).

I can’t quite explain it—and maybe that’s exactly the point. Wonder is often something you can’t grasp. It just happens. A sudden sense of emotion, as if you’re catching a glimpse of something much bigger than yourself. Like a child seeing snow for the first time. That pure wow feeling.

I used to have that feeling much more often. Children live in a world of first times. First snow, first plane, first firefly. Everything is new, grand, magical. But the older you get, the more you think, “I’ve seen this before.” And slowly, that wonder slips away. Even if you’re in places others dream about, you can find yourself looking through it all with a kind of “luxury saturation.” Beautiful things become just... things.

Still, I believe wonder can be cultivated. You don’t have to travel far. You just have to learn to look without judgment. Not immediately trying to understand, label, or photograph, but simply be. In the moment. Watch how the light falls through the leaves. Notice the rhythm of your breath as you wake up. See how an old man sits on a bench with a cane, as if he has nothing left to do—except sit.

True luxury isn’t in possessions, but in space. Space to pause. To not have to be anywhere. And then you begin to notice that the world—in all its ordinariness—is still full of wonders.

I once read a line that stuck with me: Wonder is the beginning of all wisdom.And maybe also the beginning of freedom. Because a person who can still feel wonder is free. Not numb. They feel. They live.

Another quote I found striking: Wealth seems to get in the way of everyday wonder.

And let’s be honest: paella on a starry beach is beautiful. But a simple chili con carne cooked on a gas stove in the middle of a power outage can bring about the same feeling—if you’re open to it.

Zonnige groet,

Carlo

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Key Insights

• True luxury isn’t found in possessions, but in space: space to pause, feel, and be present in the moment.

• Wonder fades with routine but can be rediscovered: by learning to look again—without judgment.

• Intrinsic motivation is the key to growth and vitality: especially when we feel free to explore rather than perform.

To continue your journey and start creating meaningful change, here’s a recommended book and a practical exercise to help you take the first step:

Life Inspiration (book recommendation): The Art of Noticing, here

Life Hack (exercise): The 5-4-3-2-1 Senses Exercise, here