“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”
Albert Einstein
Early in our marriage my husband and I traveled to the home of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello. I remember a young boy asking question after question to our docent. It didn’t take long to notice that most people were beginning to get annoyed, although his parents beamed with pride.
What actually is curiosity? According to Common Sense Media, “Curiosity is having a strong desire to learn or know something.”
Curious people “seek answers to their questions for the sake of gaining knowledge.”
In other words, “Curiosity is a key ingredient of learning.”
The Importance of Being Curious by Dalia Molokhia states that having “…a beginner’s mind,” results in being “…curious, open to new ideas, eager to learn, and not based on preconceived notions or prior knowledge.”
This ability does not have to belong exclusively to children. As adults we can face life with a “beginner’s mind.”
Alan D. Wilson the CEO of McCormick & Co. believes those who “are always expanding their perspective and what they know are people that are going to be successful.”
Of course, success may have a different definition for each person, and even in our later years we can use curiosity to enrich the “success” of our lives. I’m hoping by the end of this series I’ve inspired you to consider becoming more curious in your day to day life no matter your age.
So how can we develop this curiosity if it no longer comes naturally? As children if we were encouraged to ask questions, and were exposed to a variety of sources and experiences our curiosity probably grew, and became a part of who we were.
Dalia Molokhia lists several ways to develop that curiosity. She encourages us to “apply a beginner’s mindset” by being open to the new and different. In addition she writes, “Ask questions, listen and observe. Try something new. Each of these activities opens your mind to a new point of view.” And lastly, “Be inquisitive.”
How do you stay curious in your life?
No comments:
Post a Comment