We're all like children. We may think we grow up, but to me, being grown up is death, stopping thinking, trying to find out things, going on learning.

Mary Wesley’s quote presents a reflection on the idea that true growth and learning are ongoing processes, and that the moment we stop questioning and seeking knowledge, we cease to truly live. By comparing people to children, she suggests that the curiosity and desire to learn that children possess should never be lost, even as we age. For Wesley, becoming "grown up" isn’t about age or maturity; it’s about the stagnation that comes with ceasing to explore, question, and expand one’s understanding of the world.

Wesley argues that growing up is often mistakenly associated with maturity and responsibility, but in her view, it can also be synonymous with death—the death of curiosity, creativity, and the impulse to continually learn. The notion of “stopping thinking” implies a rejection of the intellectual and emotional curiosity that drives us to engage with life’s complexities. For Wesley, the act of learning is what keeps us alive in a metaphorical sense, constantly evolving and adapting as we encounter new challenges.

The origin of this quote likely reflects Wesley’s own life experiences and personal values, particularly in relation to her work as a writer. As someone who published her first novel at the age of 71, she defied the conventional expectations of aging, proving that learning and growth are not restricted by age. Her words emphasize a commitment to self-discovery and the endless pursuit of knowledge, values she lived out in her own writing and personal philosophy.

In summary, Wesley’s quote encourages a mindset of lifelong learning and curiosity. She proposes that the true essence of being alive lies in the ongoing process of discovery and growth, where the pursuit of knowledge never stops. By rejecting the idea that becoming an adult means settling into complacency, Wesley advocates for a continuous state of intellectual and emotional exploration throughout life.