We are all born curious, but strangely enough, as we age, the common "curiosity plot" associated with asking questions and observing objects gradually diminishes. In fact, it is known that children are very curious and often see them exploring new things around them for no reason other than to know or learn more. However, as we age, we tend to lose interest in curious pursuits.
The famous philosopher and psychologist William James defined curiosity as "the impulse to perceive better." Curiosity is an essential element of our cognition and is therefore essential for our motivation to learn, decision-making, and healthy development.
In fact, as we age, part of our diminished curiosity can be attributed to a phenomenon known as the "brain economy." As we learn, the brain builds and strengthens neural pathways and energy-saving shortcuts so that we don't have to expend mental energy for repetitive tasks. However, researchers agree that it's important to be curious as we age, even as we demand more and more time.
Why is it important to be curious?
Research shows that staying curious improves our learning mechanisms and enhances brain plasticity, as the more curious we are about a topic, the more likely we are to remember it.
For example, while chemistry seemed like a daunting subject to several of my classmates, I remember being fascinated by it. For example, how can potassium be called a metal, but so soft that it can be cut with a knife? It's fun and interesting to find out and understand ions, bonds, and chemical reactions. In fact, I think it was my curiosity that led me to take a chemistry course with ease and memorize details effortlessly.
Passionate curiosity allows us to cultivate a rich mindset as it drives us to learn and apply this new knowledge to everyday life, inspiring growth and innovation. Staying curious can also help us get rid of prejudices and bridge differences, thereby reducing anxiety and strengthening our social connections.
A 2014 study by Vincent D Costa et al. also noted that when we are unfamiliar with stimuli and we don't know the rewards, our brains trigger higher dopamine levels. Therefore, obtaining new information or performing new tasks that satisfy our curiosity can improve the release of dopamine, which in turn can quickly boost mood, improve our decision-making ability, and even prevent health conditions such as Parkinson's disease and depression.
8 ways to stay curious
Curiosity is similar to a mental muscle that weakens if we don't exercise regularly. That's why we need to make it a habit and stay curious on the basis of consistency.
1. Keep asking questions
2. Step out of your comfort zone
3. Cultivate a wide range of interests
4. Gain new perspectives
5. Cultivate reverence every day
6. See learning as a privilege and a pleasure
7. Meet other curious people often
8. Look inward
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