At the beginning of the second chapter of my book, Nothing Higher, I wrote about how my daughter happened to be one of the most inquisitive people I know. Once she could talk, she was always asking questions. The level of curiosity I saw in her at such a young age used to amaze me.
Later, I discovered that we as humans are naturally a curious bunch. The level may vary from one person to the next, but curiosity seems to be instinctive for us, especially when we’re young. It is so ingrained in our psyche, that it helps us learn as babies and enables us to survive as adults.
As infants, we had to learn an incredible amount of information within a short window of time. Curiosity is one of the major tools we have found to accomplish that massive task. Just imagine what would have happened if as infants, we weren't curious. We wouldn't have learned anything. Our development would have never happened.
I still recollect what happened when Paul, my first son was a toddler. Living in a country where the electricity supply was very epileptic, power failure was a constant feature of our existence. Whenever that happened, we would light a lantern or candle to provide light.
As a toddler, my son was always attracted to the open flame of the candle. Several times, we would run to carry him away just before he touched the flame. But each time, he would crawl right back, drawn to the flame. One day, I got tired of running after him, so I told my wife that we should just leave him and let me touch the flame. I thought once he did, and experienced the consequences, he was unlikely to go back to it.
At first, she thought that was a ridiculous idea. Why would she allow her son to get burned? But eventually, she also got tired of rescuing him. When he finally touched the flame, felt the pain, and cried, he was never drawn to the flame anymore. He learned from the experience of his curiosity.
By trying something new, especially out of curiosity, we learn what works and what doesn't. We figure out what's dangerous and what's safe. But more importantly, it's because of curiosity we've seen the many advances in human history.
Attempting to answer the questions, “Why?” and “What if?” and then backing them up with actions have brought us innovations from airplanes to smartphones and everything in between.
It seems that for some of us, however, our curious side fades as we get older. We settle into a pattern and we're no longer hungry. We stop seeking and searching. We embrace the status quo.
When we do, it’s a disservice to us. Apart from all the innovative gadgets and tools we’ve come up with throughout human history, all kinds of research have also linked curiosity with many personal psychological, emotional, social, and health benefits.
You’re happier when you’re curious. It boosts your accomplishments. It helps you develop the skill of empathy. It strengthens your mental muscles as you constantly exercise them. It improves your memory. And it helps in strengthening your relationships.
So what are you waiting for?
Give your mind that much-needed workout.