The Hidden Secrets of Being Curious
What Great People Tell Us and What Brain Research Discovered
Everybody knows the saying “Survival of the Fittest” attributed to Charles Darwin.
But few people know Darwin said this:
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change”
Darwin was referring to curiosity, a strong desire to know or learn something new.
It is our own form of genius. We all possess it.
And, Albert Einstein, no ordinary guy!!!! — said this about curiosity.
“The most important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.”
I’m a trained psychologist with a background in neurological research. I know the numerous scientific studies on curiosity and how we are unaware of its hidden power.
Here are a few neurological facts:
- Curiosity is known to promote neuroplasticity, a term referring to the brains ability to reorganize itself and form new ( I said NEW) neural connections. When we are curious and actively seek information or experiences, our brains adapt by creating new synaptic connections enabling us to participate MORE in our worlds.
- A little known fact about curiosity — it is an “intrensic motivation”. Let me explain. When we are driven by an internal desire to learn, rather than an external desire (e.g., high academic scores or peer pressure), we are engaged in a form of intrinsic motivation. This form of engagement is associated with higher levels of creativity.
- Curiosity enhances learning and memory because we seek information and experiences that intrigue us, move us forward, and propel us into action. Longterm memory is enhanced in this process and we become more empowered. It’s a no brainer!
A host of brain regions, I won’t go into, are activated.
Stimulating these brain regions is like exercising body muscles.
Everybody KNOWS physical exercise is critical if you want to stay healthy and feel good. Start pumping mental weights. They won’t let you down.
Curiosity is mental exercise — try discovering something new you’ve been curious about. Tell me about your discovery. I’d love to hear.
In addition, neurotransmitters associated with positive feelings — such as dopamine and ones associated with stress reduction — start producing juice when you stay connected to those things that you are curious about.
Big takeaway:
When we are curious, we shift our focus from worry to the pursuit of some new knowledge.
Overall, curiosity has a calming effect and is one of the best ways you can age gracefully.
Try it. Set a goal to seek out something you’ve been curious about.
We all know Google will respond to any question we type into it. And, ChatGPT3.5 is free for anyone to use.
Go to chat.openai.com and ask a question you’ve been curious about.
Lorwen Harris Nagle, PhD
I’m inviting you to follow me @lorwenpaintings or subscribe to my email list at www.lorwenpaintings.com
