Neoteny is the retention of juveniles traits well into adulthood. A common example of this is the axolotl salamander who keeps its immature gills well into adult hood. Some think that humans show neotenous traits of great apes and chimpanzees, like hairlessness and a large head. More importantly we tend to stay curious and unlike chimps we can keep learning throughout our entire lives.



“Humanity has advanced, when it has advanced, not because it has been sober, responsible, and cautious, but because it has been playful, rebellious, and immature.”
--Tom Robbins--