The popular conception of instinct errs by imagining it to be infallible and preternaturally wise, as well as incapable of modification.

As the preternaturally wise and sad cosmic voyager from asteroid B-612, Ms. Eagan projects a similar blend of critical intelligence and poignancy.

Ms. Peters, whose thrilling concert was a nearly three-hour affair with a 30-piece orchestra (directed by Marvin Laird), has the stage personality of a preternaturally wise and loving child.

They stared back at us with preternaturally wise expressions.

Instead, she's a grown-up's fantasy, the preternaturally wise, morally pure agent of a troubled adult's salvation.

The perky, preternaturally wise high school girl may seem like a pushover at first, but she's a uniquely talented 16-year-old.

Gretchen, 9, is a madcap, preternaturally wise, trouble-prone redhead.

"I think I understand," the boy replied, with a preternaturally wise nod.

The quality he exuded suggested a preternaturally wise child expressing the kind of weathered fatalism that would normally be the province of singers 20 or more years older than he.

These performances hinted that beneath the glamour is the soul of a preternaturally wise child.