Spotlight on: Curiosity

Introduction

Curiosity is one of the 5 guiding principles we value at Positive Education. The other four are 'Live consciously', 'Look for the good', 'Keep it simple', and 'Walk the walk'. These values help us to be better people by helping us see the world in a different way - and they don't just apply to children! They can be applied to anyone who wants their life to be more positive.

Curiosity is an important part of human nature—it’s what drives us to explore and learn new things. If you’re curious, you have an insatiable desire to discover more about yourself and the world around you.

For example: Curiosity helps us understand what makes people happy or unhappy; it helps us ask questions about things that interest us; it encourages us to learn new things every day (or try new things). So if you want your child/pupils/friends/colleagues etc...to be happier with themselves and others around them, encourage their curiosity!

What is curiosity?

Curiosity is the desire to learn. It's a natural human trait, but one that can be developed and nurtured. Curiosity leads us to explore new ideas and seek out new experiences - it's what makes us want to know more about the world around us.

Curiosity is also an excellent way of developing your character. People who are curious are much more likely than others to take risks and try new things, which often takes them down unexpected paths that lead towards success (and happiness).

Why is curiosity important?

Curiosity is essential to your success and happiness. It's what makes you want to learn new things, solve problems, connect with others and be creative. Curiosity also helps you find new opportunities, open yourself up to new experiences, and is an important factor in neural development (1) ... the list goes on!

How can you practise curiosity?

To practise curiosity, try asking questions and reading widely. Ask yourself what you don't know and then look for answers. Get curious about your friends' and families lives by engaging in conversations with them about their interests and passions. Read books from different genres so that you can learn more about the world around you. Notice things as they happen in everyday life, whether it be noticing how people react to certain situations or taking note of how your surroundings smell at different times of day/night!

To be truly curious about the world around us means being interested in everything - and I mean everything!

Just one note of caution - there is a fine line between curiosity and nosiness. It's important to remember that curiosity should be about your own growth and development, not about what other people are doing. If you find yourself getting too nosy, or feel yourself starting to judge others, then it may be time to take a step back and re-evaluate your motives.

Conclusion

Curiosity is a great way to develop your character. It's also a valuable tool for learning new things and improving your life. So, if you want to be a happier, more connected person, try developing your curiosity. You'll learn more about yourself and the world around you, all while becoming more self-aware and kinder to others.

References

1. Kidd, C., & Hayden, B. Y. (2015). The psychology and neuroscience of curiosity. Neuron, 88(3), 449-460.