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22 Jan 2025
5 Min Read
Divashri Balakrishnan (Contributing Writer), Nellie Chan (Editor)
Remember when we questioned everything—the whys, what ifs, and hows? Somewhere along the way, we stopped. What happened to our curiosity? We find out.
This infamous proverb, first referenced in Ben Jonson's Every Man in His Humour (1598) and later in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing (1599), has long warned against excessive curiosity, suggesting it can lead to unintended consequences. But is this caution justified?
Curiosity, defined as the desire to learn or know more, is like an unquenchable thirst. It inspires us to question the ordinary and the widely accepted, often with our own playful twist. Isn't it fascinating how a simple 'Why?' can spark a perpetual quest for knowledge—igniting evolution, progress, and development, and shaping humanity into what it is today?
But the truth is bleak. As children, we gazed at the night sky, counting stars, imagining them as our ancestors watching over us. We dreamed of superheroes—not just as comic characters, but as protectors who would swoop in to save the day. We brought our toys to life, asking ourselves, 'What if they could talk?' We questioned everything, each question setting off a hundred more. Yet, as we grew older, that boundless curiosity waned, weighed down by the burdens of reality.
As adults, we've grown accustomed to accepting whatever comes our way. Curiosity has taken a backseat, with convenience now riding shotgun—driven, in part, by technological advancements and the rise of artificial intelligence. In an age where answers are readily available at our fingertips, the once-rewarding pursuit of seeking knowledge feels tiresome and unnecessary, gradually dulling our curiosity. Add to that the demands of our busy routines, and it's no wonder we've developed the habit of sidelining our inner thoughts or dismissing the simplest of questions. Our minds have been conditioned to prioritise efficiency and productivity, shaping a rigid, one-dimensional view of the world. Curiosity is stored away, an outdated relic of the past.
Yet, throughout history, curiosity has been the driving force behind humankind's greatest achievements. Christopher Columbus's adventurous spirit propelled the Santa María across uncharted seas, leading to the monumental discovery of the Americas. Isaac Newton's keen perception of the simple yet profound fall of an apple helped define the laws of motion and gravitation, forever altering the world of physics and our understanding of the universe. Charles Darwin's dedicated research into the natural world introduced the theory of evolution, laying the foundation for modern biological sciences. These revelations have revolutionised the world as we know it.
Today, we stand at the forefront of innovation, with curiosity as our guide, reimagining industries and redesigning the very fabric of daily life. The development of artificial intelligence, born from the ambition to mimic human cognition, has led to breakthroughs in machine learning, revolutionising everything from personalisation algorithms to self-driving cars. The quest for space exploration continues to push boundaries, with companies like SpaceX charting a course towards space tourism and interplanetary travel. Meanwhile, advancements in biotechnology, nurtured by a deep-seated curiosity about human biology, are redefining healthcare through gene-editing technologies like CRISPR, unlocking new possibilities for curing diseases and extending life. The momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
But curiosity isn't confined to grand achievements; it also plays a vital role in our everyday lives, equally essential for personal and professional growth. By welcoming the unknown and inviting discovery, curiosity empowers us to evolve continuously, fostering a mindset that thrives on learning. A study conducted at the University of California revealed that participants with higher curiosity levels were 30% more likely to recall information, which correlated with increased activity in parts of the midbrain—highlighting its importance in improving cognitive function.
Curiosity is an invaluable asset as we embark on our corporate journey. A willingness to learn, adaptability to change, and creativity in problem-solving are qualities highly sought after by employers. Curiosity also boosts employee engagement, enhances job satisfaction, and reduces the likelihood of burnout. Furthermore, it reframes challenges as opportunities, equipping us with the resilience needed to overcome the obstacles of modern professional life.
So, in the face of modern values of convenience and accessibility, as well as the relentless pressure for efficiency and productivity that often stifle our curiosity, how can we cultivate it in our daily lives? It starts with small, intentional steps: ask more questions (even if it doesn't come naturally), engage with people outside your usual social circle, actively listen to different perspectives, explore thought-provoking topics like Astronomy or Philosophy, and, last but not least, allow your mind to wander. These actions can help reignite the spark of curiosity within you.
You can also sow the seeds of curiosity by reflecting on your thoughts and experiences to gain richer insights, taking walks to clear your mind and make room for fresh ideas, stepping out of your comfort zone to welcome novel experiences and explore unknown places, and meditating to promote mindfulness and focus—bringing forth profound realisations. By incorporating these practices into your everyday routine, you'll nurture continuous personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world around you.
What keeps you up at night? What thoughts linger in your mind? What's out there waiting to be discovered?
Curiosity emerges as a rare yet powerful force in a world that often tries to dim it. Amidst the fog of ambiguity, it shines as a beacon of clarity—illuminating the darkness and fueling our desire to uncover new truths. And while the journey of curiosity may differ for each of us, the destination remains the same: discovery. It urges us to question our assumptions, reflect on the depths of our beliefs, and dream beyond the limits of our imagination—an act of transcendent beauty that opens us to the infinite possibilities the world holds.
So, as you navigate life, ask yourself: Will you stay nestled in the comfort of the familiar, or will you embrace the adventure that curiosity invites you on?
Divashri Balakrishnan is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (Honours) at Taylor's University. An aspiring writer, she weaves abstract and unique ideas into fresh insights that spark curiosity and ignite meaningful perspectives.
