Curiosity

A thirst for knowledge.

Quotations about curiosity:

Curiosity is lying in wait for every secret. Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Kids are born curious about the world. What adults primarily do in the presence of kids is unwittingly thwart the curiosity of children."  Neil deGrasse Tyson

The best scientists and explorers have the attributes of kids! They ask questions and have a sense of wonder. They have curiosity. 'Who, what, where, why, when, and how!' They never stop asking questions, and I never stop asking questions, just like a five year old.  Sylvia Earle

When our children were very young, I remember them insistently asking, "But daddy, why? It seemed there were a thousand "whys" for every phenomenon. They were very curious, as most children are.

Curiosity and questions are paramount, as Albert Einstein famously emphasized. He said, "I have no special talent. I am passionately curious."These fundamental aspects of human nature are crucial in driving progress, expanding knowledge, and fostering innovation in various domains. Asking questions and seeking answers helps us better understand the world. It allows for meaningful conversations and constructive dialogue.

Asking questions is an exciting tool, enabling us to explore new opportunities and discover ways for personal growth. The best way to learn is always to be inquisitive. Doing so helps us gain knowledge and reveals new possibilities to take action on that knowledge. That is why NASA launched a rocket that took seven years to arrive at a distant asteroid and gather samples to bring back to Earth. We now have those samples and await more information about how the universe was formed.

One of my favorite podcasts on YouTube is StarTalk, with Astro-Physicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. In a recent episode, he pointed out that we know 4% about the universe. However, he then stated that as we learn more about the universe, we discover we remain at 4% of what there is to know because the universe is so complex that all we manage to accomplish with our human technology is to realize that we never discover everything. That is both understandable and astonishing.

There is a strong connection between curiosity and education. Education destroys the motivation that youngsters have to learn. Classes are boring as schools demand conformity and discipline.

Asking questions is the tool through which curiosity is expressed, and knowledge is gained. Individuals actively engage with their surroundings by asking questions, seeking clarification, deeper understanding, and alternative perspectives. 

In conclusion, curiosity and questions are vital components of human nature that fuel progress, expand knowledge, and drive innovation. They are the catalysts for exploration, discovery, and personal growth. By embracing curiosity and actively asking questions, individuals and society can unlock new possibilities, challenge the status quo, and embark on continuous learning and improvement.