Curiosity is an important characteristic of a genius. It builds bridges across cultures and communities. There is an old saying, ‘curiosity killed the cat’. But the fact of the matter is that the saying is entirely false. Because Curiosity is an amazing characteristic that every person must possess.

Curiosity is about having an interest in the world. Thomas Edison, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein were all curious characters. The interesting fact about curiosity is that it is not just a human quality. Even the animal kingdom displays this trait in their behavior. Curiosity is our primary learning tool. Curious people have an ongoing interest about the world surrounding them. Here are a few ways in which curiosity can benefit you:
  1. Leads to Better Health: A 1996 study published in Psychology and Aging analyzed 1,118 older adults aged 60 to 86 over a 5 year period. The researchers found that older adults who were more curious were at 30 percent decreased risk of dying during the study period as compared to less curious adults. Another research published in the Review of General Psychology suggests that older adults who display curious engagement with their environment, through hobbies or other activities, live longer and are less likely to develop degenerative diseases of the central nervous system.

    Studies also suggest that positive emotions like curiosity may play a protective role in the development of disease. A two-year study involving 1,041 patients and published in the journal Health Psychology found that higher levels of curiosity were associated with decreased likelihood ofhypertension and diabetes.

  2. Enriches Life: Curious people are often good listeners and have excellent communication skills. They bring fun and novelty into relationships by asking questions and taking an interest in learning about partners. As a result they have more friends and enjoy a healthy romantic life. A healthy social and romantic life enriches our life experience over all.
  3. Excellent Problem Solving Skills: Curiosity often leads to cognitive growth because curious people are constantly finding different ways to do different things. They are constantly seeking new experiences and exploring new ideas. As part of a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 2002, researchers at USC and UC Riverside measured the novelty-seeking behavior in 1,795 3-year-olds and then measured their cognitive ability at age 11. The researchers found that the most adventurous and curious 3-year-olds scored 12 points higher on total IQ over their shyer peers. The children also showed superior scholastic and reading ability. Other studies have shown that high levels of curiosity in adults are connected to greater problem-solving skills, analytic ability and overall intelligence.
  4. Better Clarity: Curiosity allows you to look at your troubles, thoughts and personal circumstances in an objective and practical way. It motivates you to uncover the nuances of an otherwise mundane life. It serves as a motivational tool for establishing personal goals.
  5. Opens New Possibilities: Curious people are ‘opportunity seekers’. They not only seek new experiences, but actively look for challenges as well. By being curious and remaining open to new experiences, they are able to see new worlds and possibilities that are hidden in the daily lives.
  6. Active Mind: Curious people always ask questions and actively search for answers. As a result their mind is always active. The brain needs this continual exercise which makes it stronger and keeps forgetfulness at bay.
  7. Creative Ideas: Most scientists and engineers credit their curiosity for the source of their ideas. Without curiosity, the ideas may pass right in front of you and you will miss them because your mind is not tuned to grasp them. Curiosity helps different fields collide with one another to produce fresh ideas.

How to Lead a Curious Lifestyle?

There are a few pointers for you to abide by. Some of them are mentioned below:

  • Always keep an open mind and never label things as boring.
  • Don’t take things as granted and always ask questions relentlessly.
  • Learn something new everyday. It can be anything, even something that is not related to your field.
  • Read diverse materials.
  • Always try to do your daily routine in different ways.

Curiosity will lead you through a road you would otherwise not have traveled. Remember every new road is a new possibility.