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They learned to speak before they were one year old; and in the same time they learned to walk and to dance, for their wills came soon to the mastery of their bodies....
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This sounds like the description of beings who are so ruled by the spiritual, noncorporeal aspect (fea, in Tolkien's mythology) that they and their bodies are not in the synchronous development seen in Men, nor even in Hobbits, although, in Hobbits, I always got the sense that their minds outstripped their bodies as well, for their bodies could not develop to full mannish stature. Thus, I get the idea that simplicity of outlook may have to do with this slower development and less focus on the immediacy of death.
Also, there are aspects of childhood that are quickly lost by Men that are retained by both Hobbits and Elves. For Hobbits, for many years, their realm is protected unbeknownst to them by the Dunedain, so they, in fact, lead lives of false autonomy, carrying on in daily life without the large threats from without, much like children at play, although the capability is clearly there for them to protect their own realm. It is interesting, though, that they must be rescued at the end, once the protection has been lost and ruffians have entered and taken advantage of their inexperience with such matters. In effect, the Hobbits of the Shire are like children playing at being adults, and I, for one, envy their position at times, although, I also see the need for uprisings like the Scouring and the initiative and leadership shown by the four Fellowship Hobbits upon their return to the Shire.
Still thinking about the Elvish aspect. I suppose this was a bit of a short ramble. I hope there was a good point in there! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]
Cheers,
Lyta (trying to master the never-ending sentence...) [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]