“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” — Albert Einstein
Curiosity is the hunger of the human mind. It is such a basic component of our natures that we are nearly oblivious to its pervasiveness in our lives.
Curiosity is thought of as the noblest of human drives. It is an innately human quality that has driven us to explore, ask questions, investigate, wonder why and search for a deeper understanding.
We see curiosity most clearly in how it manifests itself in geniuses. Intellectual giants such as Thomas Edison, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, and Richard Feynman are all curious characters.
For example, it was the curiosity of knowing the reason behind the fall of an apple which made Isaac Newton invent the Laws of Motion.
Photo by iStockPhoto.com
“Curisoity is the engine of achievement.” — Ken Robinson
What is Curiosity?
In 1899, philosopher and psychologist William James called curiosity “the impulse towards better cognition,” meaning that it is the desire to understand what you know that you do not.
William James noted that, in children, it drives them towards objects of the novel, sensational qualities — that which is “bright, vivid, startling”.
This early definition of curiosity, he said, later gives way to a “higher, more intellectual form” — an impulse towards more complete scientific and philosophic knowledge.
In a very fundamental way, curiosity is the driver of all self-directed learning. It is our desire to find out more, unlock new knowledge and answer our questions that compel us to learn.
Photo by Anna Shvets
“Knowledge is the compound interest of curiosity.” — James Clear
Why is Curiosity Important?
I believe that curiosity is the vehicle used by the open-minded. It takes humans to different places, allowing them to explore and discover different possibilities. Here are some reasons why curiosity is beneficial and needs to be cultivated.
1. Curiosity makes your mind active instead of passive.
Curious people always ask questions and search for answers. Their minds are always active. Since the mind is like a muscle which becomes stronger through continual exercise, the mental fitness caused by curiosity makes your mind stronger and stronger.
2. Curiosity boosts your probability of achievement.
Studies reveal that curiosity leads to more enjoyment and participation in school and higher academic achievement, as well as greater learning, engagement, and performance at work. It may seem like common sense, but when we are more curious about and interested in what we are doing, it’s easier to get involved, put the effort in, and do well.
3. Curiosity makes your mind observant of new ideas.
When you are curious about something, your mind expects and anticipates new ideas related to the subject. When the ideas come you will recognize them. Without curiosity, ideas may pass right in front of you and yet you miss them because your mind is not prepared to recognize them. Just think, how many great ideas may have been lost due to a lack of curiosity?
4. Curiosity can expand your empathy.
When we are curious about others and talk to people outside our usual social circle, we become better able to understand those with lives, experiences, and worldviews different than our own. Next time you have the chance to talk with a stranger, especially someone who may be quite dissimilar to you, try engaging with them on a personal level and showing them that you are interested in what they have to say.
5. Curiosity opens up new worlds and possibilities.
By being curious you will be able to see new worlds and possibilities that are normally not visible. They are hidden behind the surface of normal life, and it takes a curious mind to look beneath the surface and discover these new worlds and possibilities.
6. Curiosity helps strengthen relationships.
One study asked strangers to pose and answer personal questions, a process scientists call “reciprocal self-disclosure.” They found that people were rated as warmer and more attractive if they showed real curiosity in the exchange. This implies that demonstrating curiosity towards someone is a great way to build your closeness with them.
7. Curiosity is essential for your happiness.
Research has shown curiosity to be associated with higher levels of positive emotions, lower levels of anxiety, more satisfaction with life, and greater psychological well-being. Of course, it may be, at least partially, that people who are already happier tend to be more curious, but since novelty makes us feel good, it seems likely that it goes in the other direction as well.
8. Curiosity brings excitement into your life.
The lives of curious people are far from boring. They are neither dull nor routine. There are always new things that attract the curious person’s attention, there are always new ‘toys’ to play with. Instead of being bored, curious people have an adventurous life.
Photo by iStockPhoto.com
“Your curiosity is your growth point always.” Danielle LaPorte
Ignite Your Own Intellectual Curiosity
Here are a few ways you can start to ignite your own intellectual curiosity:
- Make a concerted effort to keep up to date with new innovations
- Make it a habit to regularly try new things (try a new recipe, route to work, or even a new exercise class)
- Be like a sponge — soak up new information from a variety of different places (at work, home, from strangers on the street, from magazines, books, movies, your phone — anywhere!)
- Listen to other people’s opinions and learn from them (actively ask people what they think)
- Don’t be afraid to debate the status quo (constantly challenge things!)
- Put aside some time to regularly brainstorm about new innovations (both on your own and with other creative minds)
- Think of ways to improve upon things (you never know — your idea may just be better!)
—
This post was previously published on medium.com.
***
You may also like these posts on The Good Men Project:
White Fragility: Talking to White People About Racism | Escape the “Act Like a Man” Box | The Lack of Gentle Platonic Touch in Men’s Lives is a Killer | What We Talk About When We Talk About Men |
—
Photo credit: iStockPhoto.com