Curiosity

Sources

1. “Curiosity.” The Happiness Problem: Expecting Better in an Uncertain World, by Sam Wren-Lewis, 1st ed., Bristol University Press, Bristol, 2019, pp. 134–164. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctvs89dfk.10. Accessed 15 June 2020.

What curiosity entails

Curiosity has the ability to hold people’s attention by enticing them into experiencing something new, whether it be a situation or idea. This positive anticipation that it holds over people shows them a distinct beauty that can be helpful or harmful – sometimes both. Specifically, Lewis explains that the process of curiosity is “[achieving] both breadth and depth within our lives” to find more meaning within our inner worlds (Lewis 134). Lewis creates a definitive process that demonstrates self-exploration. It is a list of anticipated experiences that opens people up to an ongoing process of creation and discovery:

“First, by being curious we open ourselves up to the potential value of the things that would otherwise pass us by – this is the realm of beauty. Second, we become more aware of the potential value of the things we already have – we feel gratitude and contentment. Third, we can respond to the challenges we face with greater flexibility, less stuck in our habitual ways of seeing the world. Together, these three benefits of curiosity are an inner resource we can draw upon to explore and commit to what really matters.” (Lewis 135).

This three-part process has the power to lead someone down a different path where they can forge a new lifestyle. However, the key is to remain open to possibilities when encountering newness, even in the face of disappointment.

2. “Curiosity.” The Elements of Learning, by James M. Banner and Harold C. Cannon, Yale University Press, 1999, pp. 46–56. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt1npdmt.8. Accessed 15 June 2020.

A brief definition

Banner and Canon explain curiosity as, “Your natural appetite to find out about the world can get you to consume mountains of facts. It can unfold the meanings of the world’s many mysteries and steer you toward an understanding of life in all its dimensions – if you indulge it. And curiosity helps you to work hard and apply self-discipline, other qualities you need to become the best student you can be.” (Banner and Cannon 46). I believe that this explanation can be shortened into a definition that will represent curiosity: indulging new ideas in a means to live new experiences while reflecting on old ones.