How Is Curiosity Linked to Our Survival?
Curiosity, part of our DNA, is no different from our pursuit of food, water, or sex.
Our bodies are programmed to be curious and reward us when we exercise that curiosity. It is our body’s way of encouraging us to find new sources of food, new means of protecting ourselves, and new ways to aid us in times of crisis.
This deep, intrinsic force guides a curiosity that has caused scientists to refer to us as “informavores”, constantly seeking and digesting information. Even when our curiosity guides us on pursuits that appear to be a waste of time, our body finds a way to remind us that what we might not find useful today could be extremely useful tomorrow.
Like other animals, humans are learning machines.
Jean Piaget
William James
Curiosity in a crisis
Why did humankind travel to the moon? Why are our sights set on Mars?
Survival mode
Information as a reward
We have seen curiosity is key for our survival. Whether it is a bird that must explore new bushes for new sources of food or humans who explore space as a potential for expansion into the universe, all species adapt based on their curiosity.
References
1. What Are Piaget’s Four Stages of Development?. Verywell Mind. 2020 [cited 27 August 2020]. Available from: https://www.verywellmind.com/piagets-stages-of-cognitive-development-2795457
2. James W. Talks to teachers on psychology, and to students on some of life’s ideals. New York, NY: Barnes & Noble Digital Library; 2011.
3. Professor Evan Polman and His Research on Curiosity. Bus.wisc.edu. [cited 27 August 2020]. Available from: https://bus.wisc.edu/centers/ac-nielsen-center-marketing-analytics-insights/newsletter/spring-2017/evan-polman
4. Rabbi David Wolpe – Sinai Temple [Internet]. Sinai Temple. [cited 27 August 2020]. Available from: https://www.sinaitemple.org/about/clergy-senior-staff/rabbi-david-wolpe/
5. Hemmelder V, Blanchard T. Why Humans Are Hard-Wired For Curiosity. Footnote. 2016 [cited 27 August 2020]. Available from: https://footnote.co/why-humans-are-hard-wired-for-curiosity/
Innovative Leadership: Developing Curiosity
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Innovative Leadership: Developing Curiosity
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