It is all very well to be able to write books, but can you waggle your ears?

It is all very well to be able to write books, but can you waggle your ears?

James M. Barrie, the beloved author of Peter Pan, was not only a talented writer but also a man of many talents. He had a whimsical and playful nature that shone through in his writing, and he often incorporated elements of fantasy and imagination into his work. However, Barrie was not just a master of words – he also had a quirky sense of humor and a knack for entertaining those around him.

One of the most famous anecdotes about Barrie is the question he reportedly asked of his friends: “It is all very well to be able to write books, but can you waggle your ears?” This question perfectly encapsulates Barrie’s playful and mischievous personality. He was not interested in conventional measures of success or talent; instead, he valued creativity, imagination, and a sense of fun.

Barrie’s question also speaks to his belief in the importance of embracing one’s inner child. Throughout his life, he maintained a childlike wonder and curiosity that fueled his creativity and inspired his writing. He understood the power of imagination and the joy that can come from embracing the fantastical and the absurd.