Is There Strength in Naivete?

Naïveté is a French term referring to the state of lacking experience, understanding or sophistication. Many negative words are often used to describe those who seem to be naïve such as ignorant, foolish, immature or stupid. Although it is certainly possible to be any combination of these terms, weakness is most associated with naïveté. However, can any strength be found in naïveté?

The lack of ability to "go with the flow" often distinguishes those who appear to be naïve from the rest of society. They are often young people who have not yet experienced much of the world and seem to lack an awareness of how to evolve. Most likely naïveté will disappear with time and the trials of life, but for some it remains a discernable part of their personalities.

The process of labeling someone as naïve can be a disheartening experience for the individual who will most likely be unaware of his or her inclination to stand out due to the existing lack of knowledge. Odds are the labeled person will feel weak, offended and perhaps humiliated. They may or may not find credence in the label and whether or not they accept the trait will determine if strength can be found.

Ignoring the quality of naïveté can be a dangerous option for those who want to develop both as a human being and contributing member of society. By dismissing the fact that they may indeed be naïve and need a more proactive approach to development may hinder their growth and development. The result could result in the very things they claim they do not possess - ignorance and weakness.

Individuals who both accept their naïveté and attempt to acquire the missing wisdom clearly demonstrate a certain form of strength many will never know. While the majority of people never think about being naïve because it is merely a short stage in their life that ends on its own, some folks actually need to put effort into losing their naïveté. This time can be a challenge for many people and requires not just strength but perseverance and intelligence as well. There is something to be said about those people who have achieved status of being able to put their naïve trait behind them.

There is of course a third group of human beings that includes those who never graduate from naïveté to experienced student of life. Those are the people who will never see the strength found in naïveté nor learn to fully embrace the world around them. For this group there is no strength in naïveté to be found; only stagnancy remains.