The word neoteny ne•ot•e•ny, noun, meaning “the retention of juvenile characteristics in the adults of a species” is normally used in scientific terms of organisms or animals that mature physically without losing some or all of their younger physical traits.

In recent years, the terms has been borrowed by social scienctists to refer to certain human psychological traits. Bennis and Thomas, in their book GEEKS AND GEEZERS use the term to refer to elders who keep their edge by staying youthful in their thinking and attitudes. They contend, in particular, that older leaders who remain effective leaders do so not solely because of all their many years of past experience, but rather by keeping an open mind and eagerness to embrace new experiences.

“God’s concerns are all –embracing—not only the ‘sacred’ but the ‘secular,' not only religion but nature, not only His covenant people but all people, not only justification but social justice in every community, not only His gospel but His law.” 

My father-in-law grew up on a ranch north of Austin, Texas. As a boy he was given free reign to walk the fields and hillsides of his family's property, hunting for birds and any other adventure a boy could come up with. 

One day he set out into the range, watching the trees and skies for birds. As he walked he neglected to keep his bearings. Hours into his adventure, he looked around, realizing that he didn't recognize his surroundings.  He called out for his father, his mother, his brothers, but there was no answer.  He called louder, and his cries of fear grew louder still.  But he was good and lost.

He sat down on a rock and the tears flowed for a while until he finally quieted himself down. And in the distance he heard something familiar; it was the windmill for the watering trough. It was faint, but he was able to tell the general direction. Following the faint sound, he found his way to the windmill, and from the windmill, his way home.