Curiosity is like the engine of our intelligence. It’s that little spark in a child’s eyes when they ask “why?” fifty times in a row, or that sudden urge to Google “how do bees make honey?” at 11 p.m. The good news? Curiosity can be cultivated, encouraged, and even reawakened when it’s fallen asleep somewhere between two virtual meetings and a pile of laundry.
Why is curiosity so important?
From a psychological perspective, curiosity stimulates our cognitive functions: it boosts memory, sharpens focus, and improves problem-solving skills. It also sparks a joy of learning that goes far beyond the classroom. And despite popular belief, curiosity isn’t just for kids. We can stay curious all our lives — as long as we feed it a little!
A few tips to spark (or rekindle) your curiosity
Ask questions (even weird ones)
Get into the habit of asking “Why?”, “How does this work?”, or “What if…?” Just asking questions prompts your brain to explore, wonder, and seek answers.
Shake up your routine
Read a book in a genre you’ve never tried, cook a dish from a faraway country, or watch a random documentary. Stepping outside your habits naturally fuels curiosity.
Encourage curiosity in children
Don’t always give them the answer right away. Instead, spark their thinking: “Great question! Should we find out together?” This nurtures their love of discovery and exploration.
Offer time… and space
Curiosity needs calm to grow. Give yourself (and children) the gift of a little boredom — it’s often in those quiet moments that the most beautiful questions arise.
In the end, curiosity is the superpower that makes life richer, more surprising, and… way less boring. So, ready to start asking questions?
