Curious by nature!
Nurturing your inner explorer
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths” Walt Disney
Studies suggest that curiosity is closely tied to emotional intelligence, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. We know that curiosity is a common trait amongst polymaths, indeed it could be argued that it is the most important pillar of polymathic thinking. But if we asked you to think of a common phrase or a proverb about curiosity, you would probably offer “curiosity killed the cat" – which warns of the dangers of unnecessary investigation or experimentation. Why are we afraid of curiosity? The unfortunate cat aside, we need to nurture curiosity to be effective polymaths.
So, can you learn (or re learn) to be curious OR is it a fixed part of our personalities? Exploring this topic reveals a complex interplay between our psychological makeup, our environmental influences, and the deliberate actions we can take to nurture our curiosity.
“What I have is a malevolent curiosity. That's what drives my need to write and what probably leads me to look at things a little askew. I do tend to take a different perspective from most people” David Bowie
Curiosity can be defined as a strong desire to learn or know something. It can manifest in various forms: intellectual curiosity, which pertains to the pursuit of knowledge; social curiosity, which involves a desire to understand others; and sensory curiosity, which focuses on the exploration of new experiences. Each of these dimensions contributes significantly to our overall cognitive and emotional growth.
Psychology offers rich insights into the nature of curiosity. When we engage in curious pursuits, we stimulate cognitive processes in the brain that enhance learning and adaptability. Indeed, curiosity has been dubbed a key driver of personal and professional success.
NATURE VS. NURTURE: THE DEBATE
An intriguing aspect of curiosity is the debate surrounding its origins: is it a product of nature or nurture? Curiosity is often viewed as an inherent trait - something we either possess or we don’t – and that certain individuals are more innately curious due to genetic predisposition. But as children, we exhibit boundless curiosity, constantly asking questions and seeking to understand the world around us. However, as we grow older, life can sometimes dull this inquisitive spark. Sir Ken Robinson spoke at length about how to keep the flame of curiosity burning. His view was that curiosity can be encouraged (or stifled) by our environment.
So, curiosity may be cultivated through practices, experiences, and social interactions. For instance, children raised in intellectually stimulating environments—such as homes filled with books, discussions, and exploration—tend to display greater curiosity. Similarly, workplace cultures that encourage innovation and questioning facilitate a curious mindset among employees.
Ultimately, the consensus among psychologists is that while we may have genetic inclinations, our environment and personal choices play crucial roles in shaping our level of curiosity. This means that, irrespective of our starting point, there is potential for growth.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing” Albert Einstein
THE SCIENCE BEHIND CURIOSITY
Understanding the science behind curiosity reveals its neurological foundations. Different brain regions activate when we encounter novel information or experiences—most notably the hippocampus, which plays a pivotal role in learning and memory, and the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making and planning.
Moreover, curiosity triggers the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, known for its role in the reward system of the brain. This is why engaging in curiosity-driven activities can be highly rewarding; as we learn something new or solve a problem, we experience a sense of satisfaction that encourages further exploration.
In an article titled ‘What type of curious are you?’[1], Dr Suzi Travis presents Daniel Berlyne’s two-axis model of curiosity, which offers a framework for understanding different constructs of curiosity. One axis differentiates between epistemic and perceptual curiosity, while the other distinguishes specific from diversive curiosity.
EPISTEMIC v PERCEPTUAL CURIOSITY
Epistemic curiosity drives the search for knowledge, prompting individuals to engage in reading, debating, or researching to satisfy their thirst for understanding. It fosters intellectual growth as people seek to explore ideas and unravel complexities through questioning, analyzing, and synthesizing information. In professional settings, epistemic curiosity helps individuals master new skills and adapt to technological changes while enriching collaborative efforts by facilitating idea exchange in interdisciplinary projects.
Perceptual curiosity, on the other hand, arises from sensory stimuli, motivating exploration of the physical world through touch, sight, sound, taste, or smell. This curiosity compels closer examination of unfamiliar experiences, encouraging physical engagement with novel stimuli. It underpins both everyday adventures and scientific discoveries, reflecting a fundamental aspect of human nature driven toward exploration and novelty-seeking (Travis, 2023).
Travis offers this by way of illustration …
“Think, for example, of encountering a mysterious sculpture in a public park. Crafted from a combination of metal and glass, the artwork refracts light in captivating ways, producing a shimmering effect as you walk around it. The unique design provokes your perceptual curiosity. Meanwhile, epistemic curiosity might encourage you to look up the artist or the concept behind the sculpture, seeking deeper understanding”.
SPECIFIC VS. DIVERSIVE CURIOSITY
On the second axis, specific curiosity targets a particular question or problem, guiding focused information-seeking behaviors. It motivates researchers to investigate narrow subjects through experiments or analyses to find missing pieces of information. This form of curiosity directs attention toward identifying patterns in puzzle-solving, helping to resolve challenges. In contrast, diversive curiosity encourages a broader interest in exploring new experiences or environments without specific goals. It energizes individuals to seek diverse experiences, embracing variety and novelty across cultures and fields of knowledge. Together, these forms of curiosity drive both targeted exploration and a broader engagement with the world.
The two axes of curiosity—epistemic versus perceptual and specific versus diversive—interact to shape our behavior and learning. For example, epistemic curiosity may start as diversive when browsing various academic journals but shift to specific when one focuses on a single paper. Likewise, perceptual curiosity might begin as diversive while exploring a new city but become specific when investigating a building's architectural details. These interactions indicate that curiosity is dynamic, allowing individuals to toggle between different forms based on context, leading to richer exploratory behaviors and personal development (Travis, 2023).
While perceptual curiosity may wane as we age, epistemic curiosity remains constant. However, it can lie dormant if we are unaware of its existence or assume that we are not inherently curious. Our beliefs about ourselves profoundly influence our behaviors and how we engage with the world.
Neuroscience sheds light on the potential of our brains, showcasing their adaptability and ability to forge fresh neural pathways through the phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. One of the key drivers behind this extraordinary capacity is epigenetics, which empowers us to activate genes that facilitate the creation of new neurons. Thus, the mechanism supporting lifelong learning remains ever-present, enabling us to absorb new information whenever we desire.
“My favourite words are possibilities, opportunities and curiosity. I think if you are curious, you create opportunities, and then if you open the doors, you create possibilities” Mario Testino
CURIOSITY: THE BENEFITS AND BARRIERS
Cultivating curiosity can have profound and far-reaching benefits in various aspects of life:
Curiosity drives individuals to explore problems more comprehensively, leading to innovative solutions. In a work context, curious employees are often more engaged and motivated to tackle challenges. By asking questions and seeking alternative viewpoints, they can contribute to problem-solving processes that are more holistic and effective.
Curiosity fosters deeper connections with others. When we show genuine interest in understanding other people's perspectives—through open-ended questions and active listening—we build rapport and empathy. This leads to stronger relationships, whether in personal settings or professional workplaces.
Curiosity and creativity go hand-in-hand. The more curious we are, the more we expose ourselves to diverse ideas, experiences, and knowledge, which can lead to enhanced creative thinking. Engaging in diverse fields or hobbies can inspire innovative thinking and artistry.
Curiosity encourages a willingness to embrace change and uncertainty, equipping individuals with the skills to adapt to new situations. A curious mindset allows us to approach challenges with a learner's perspective, which diminishes fear of failure and promotes resilience. Several studies have indicated that curiosity is linked to greater life satisfaction and emotional well-being. Curious individuals tend to report higher levels of happiness, as they engage in fulfilling activities and relationships. This positive feedback loop reinforces their desire to continue learning and exploring.
But while curiosity can be cultivated, there are numerous barriers that might inhibit it. Some of these barriers include fear of failure; societal expectations; lack of time and/or energy and a fixed mindset.
Many people avoid pursuing new experiences or knowledge due to the fear of failing or looking foolish. This fear can stifle curiosity, creating a mindset of avoidance rather than exploration.
Cultural norms and societal pressures can discourage curiosity, especially if questioning the status quo is seen as inappropriate. In environments that prioritize conformity over exploration, individuals may refrain from expressing their curiosity.
In a fast-paced world where individuals often juggle numerous responsibilities, finding the time and mental energy to pursue curiosity can be challenging. Routine and monotony can lead to disengagement and a lack of enthusiasm for learning or exploring new interests.
According to psychologist Carol Dweck’s research, individuals with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities and intelligence are static. This mindset can thwart curiosity, as people may avoid challenges that push them out of their comfort zones, preferring to stay within what they already know.
So, can we learn (or relearn) the art of curiosity? The good news is that there are effective strategies individuals can adopt to cultivate their curiosity:
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness can enhance your awareness of your surroundings and experiences, making it easier to notice and engage with the world around you. Consciously ‘savor the moment’. Take time to observe your environment, paying attention to your surroundings, engaging your senses and noting the small details can cultivate a sense of wonder and stimulate curiosity. Mindfulness fuels curiosity. The more attention you pay, the more questions you will have. Give yourself time to simply think and run through possibilities - let your mind wander.
Explore Diverse Experiences: Try to step out of your comfort zone by exposing yourself to new experiences. Attend events, join clubs, or explore activities unrelated to your field of expertise. Exposing yourself to new experiences will ignite your curiosity and expand your horizons. This variety can help spark new interests and avenues of inquiry.
Embrace Lifelong Learning: Adopt the mindset of a lifelong learner. Engage with educational resources that pique your interest, such as online courses, workshops, documentaries, or books. Setting goals for learning new skills or topics each month can keep the momentum going. Learning by doing is one of the most effective ways to cultivate curiosity. Instead of passively consuming information, actively engage in hands-on activities that stimulate your mind and creativity. The act of exploring will fuel your curiosity and inspire you to explore further.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Practice asking more open-ended questions in your conversations, both with yourself and others. Instead of seeking yes-or-no answers, ask questions that invite elaboration, such as, “What do you think about…?” or “How did that experience shape your views?”. Ask “what if”, “why” and “how” more often. Curiosity begins with questions. Challenge yourself, your own mental models, the way others think, perceived wisdom and any other conventions to get to the inner workings of the world. Curiosity-driven conversations can spark creativity and inspire new ideas, and questions are the most powerful tool you have in those conversations.
Set Curiosity Goals: Create specific goals tied to curiosity. Set yourself the goal to learn something new, no matter how small, and embrace the joy of discovery. For example, you might resolve to learn about a new topic every day or each week, visit a new place each month, or meet new people from different backgrounds. Having measurable objectives can keep you motivated. Don’t be afraid to go down a rabbit hole about a new subject – what you learn will probably be useful … sooner or later.
Keep a journal: to capture observations, and insights. Brainstorm ideas and write down everything that crosses your mind. What has piqued your interest and jot down any questions or thoughts that come to mind. Reviewing your journal regularly will help you identify patterns. It is a great way of fostering introspection and focusing beyond your immediate thoughts.
Richard Branson is a constant note-taker and never without a note-book … observing that the physical act of writing leads to more robust information processing–in other words, you learn better.
“One can get through life without writing things down, but you’re not going to be as successful.” Richard Branson
Create a Culture of Curiosity: In a professional or educational setting, advocate for a culture that values curiosity. Encourage collaborative projects that allow for brainstorming and exploration, fostering an environment where questioning is welcomed and celebrated.
Numerous individuals and organizations have successfully embraced curiosity, leading to remarkable outcomes. Consider TED Talks, which have become a global platform for sharing ideas. The initiative's founders emphasized curiosity through passionate storytelling, allowing speakers to delve into unique and often unconventional topics that spark broader conversations. Some companies foster a culture of creativity and exploration by allowing employees to dedicate time to personal projects they are curious about. This practice has led to innovative solutions and products.
Google's 20% time
Google's "20% time" policy allows employees to spend up to 20% of their work time on projects of their choosing. This policy encourages employees to experiment with new ideas and pursue their passions. Some of Google's most successful products, like Gmail, AdSense, and Google News, originated from this policy.
3M's 15% time
3M's "15% time" policy allows employees to spend 15% of their work time on internal entrepreneurial pursuits. This policy was inspired by the need to develop a synthetic rubber during World War II. One successful outcome of this policy was the invention of the Post-It Note by Arthur Fry.
So, can you learn to be curious? The answer is a resounding yes. While some people may have predispositions to curiosity, it is ultimately a skill that can be cultivated and encouraged. By adopting an open mindset, challenging societal norms, and committing to lifelong learning, anyone can enhance their curiosity. In an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, curiosity not only enriches our personal and professional lives but also contributes to our collective problem-solving capability. As we continue to explore and engage with the world, let us embrace the pursuit of knowledge and foster curiosity in ourselves and those around us.
What are your own experiences with curiosity. What sparks your interest? What have you learned by embracing your curiosity? Let us know … we are curious!
[1] https://medium.com/why-curiosity/what-type-of-curious-are-you-6a128a188c4e