Full Idea
Children incorporate a variety of nonobvious features into their concepts, including internal parts, functions, causes, and ontological distinctions.
Gist of Idea
Children's concepts include nonobvious features, like internal parts, functions and causes
Source
Susan A. Gelman (The Essential Child [2003], 01 'Prelims')
Book Reference
Gelman,Susan A.: 'The Essential Child' [OUP 2005], p.13
A Reaction
This remark sums up the general thesis of her book, which she supports with a wealth of first-hand evidence. It supports my view, that the desire and need for explanation is at the root of essentialist concepts. It's hard wired in us.