We are born curious. From birth, babies want to explore their surroundings. The entire industry of baby-proofing grows out of their inborn need to touch, see, taste, and experience the world around them. As children’s senses and capabilities develop, their sense of wonder expands too. They venture into the unknown with great interest and an unbridled desire to know more.
But as adults, many of us lose this sense of discovery. We get so busy looking for answers, we forget to ask questions out of fear of the unknown or because we don’t want to disrupt our routine or because we are just too busy dealing with our daily lives. Playing it safe prevents us from being overwhelmed and creates a predictable environment, but it doesn’t foster the discovery of new things or build the skills of resilience that challenges teach us.
By avoiding situations that provoke anxiety, we may be protecting ourselves from discomfort, but we are also missing out on a key aspect of vitality: the joy of learning. According to a Gallup survey, learning something new was one of the strongest influences on how much enjoyment a person experienced on a given day.
What is the best way to keep curiosity alive? Make it a habit to ask more questions in your everyday life. Two of my favorites are inspired by Dean James Ryan’s 2016 commencement speech at the Harvard Graduate School of Education:
1. “Wait, what?” When you ask this question, you are expressing interest and a desire to learn more. This question is essential for understanding and clarification. It’s about taking the time to carefully consider what you are doing before making up your mind.
2. “I wonder if/why …” This form of inquiry keeps you curious about why things are as they are and exploring different possibilities and scenarios. It enables you to think differently and see a problem with fresh eyes.
The best questions help us rethink what we already know and not take “what is” for granted. As the old saying goes, “Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton asked why.”
This story originally appeared in the June 2019 issue of Marie Claire.
MORE FROM SAMANTHA BOARDMAN
-
Sabrina Carpenter's Micro Shorts Are a Slice of Fashion HistoryShe was brave to trot it out at the height of winter.
-
Tom Parker Bowles Says Stepfather King Charles Could be "Fantastic" at Another Job if He Wasn't MonarchJust imagine.
-
Cartier Celebrates 100 Years of Trinity With a Miami Pop-UpA look inside the Art Basel event.
-
Senator Klobuchar: "Early Detection Saves Lives. It Saved Mine"Senator and breast cancer survivor Amy Klobuchar is encouraging women not to put off preventative care any longer.
-
I'm an Egg Donor. Why Was It So Difficult for Me to Tell People That?Much like abortion, surrogacy, and IVF, becoming an egg donor was a reproductive choice that felt unfit for society’s standards of womanhood.
-
The 20 Best Probiotics to Keep Your Gut in CheckGut health = wealth.
-
Simone Biles Is Out of the Team Final at the Tokyo OlympicsShe withdrew from the event due to a medical issue, according to USA Gymnastics.
-
The Truth About Thigh GapsWe're going to need you to stop right there.
-
The High Price of Living With Chronic PainThree women open up about how their conditions impact their bodies—and their wallets.
-
I Used to Imagine Murdering the Men I DatedFalling in love helped me finally figure out why.
-
60 Workout Apps for Women Who Want Results (Without a Gym Membership)Easy fitness plans you can follow without fear of judgment.
