Open up to Curiosity

Abstract

AbstractCuriosity is a fundamental impulse which propels human beings to seek, and discover satisfying answers to life’s deep questions. Capturing small but memorable moments of personal discovery, I highlight an element of curiosity within everyone’s control: one’s choices to be open. I provide a series of personal anecdotes and analogies, to illustrate real examples of how choice, experience, and resultant curiosity are interrelated. Often, the most revealing discoveries are those which can be made during one’s routine, daily life. Here, I place emphasis on observations of the moon, previously demonstrated to help develop curiosity in students (Duckworth, 1986). With an understanding that personal experience impacts curiosity as much, if not more, than one’s natural inclinations, individuals can wield their curiosity to find interest in and appreciation for subjects that would otherwise miss their attention. Often, this perspective is best gained when shared by another curious person.