The Power of Being Curious

Human beings are naturally curious. One can argue this is what separated us from other animals many years ago: an unprecedented ability to ask questions. Why is the sky blue, what is the best way to cook a mammoth, how can we keep the fire going? So why is it so important to remain curious?

Scientists are drawn to the mysteries of the surrounding world, from the molecules that allow our own bodies to grow and develop, to the darkest corners of the universe. As we chase down the great unknown, we continuously ask questions and drive the scientific progress forward with innovations in medicine, technology, communications.

The people who are curious, have an innate desire for knowledge, for truth, and therefore, justice. By asking questions, people encourage each other to think outside the box, to challenge the ideas, to propose novel solutions to existing problems. For example, if we didn't ask how can we maintain the fire after the lightning struck a heap of dry wood, we would never harvest its potential. If we never asked what is the beyond the horizon, we would never travel around the world and establish new cultures and civilizations.

In the current world where there is an overabundance of information, people have access to an unprecedented amount of data. We constantly consume various content, such as YouTube videos or reading articles, such as this one. Yet not everyone experiences true enthusiasm or desire for knowledge that matters, when it comes to their health, to the laws, policies and regulations that are in place and directly affect them on a daily basis. Being caught up in the immediate moment, we lose sight of the big picture and fail to see the connections that make a difference in our understanding of the world around us. So what are we supposed to do?

I have recently come to the realization that the only way humanity can survive if WE REMAIN CURIOUS. If we keep asking each other questions, hold each other accountable for the lack of appropriate answers, if we encourage people's pursuit of knowledge about the world we live in, we will find solutions to the problems that divide us, and move forward together. I believe that scientists and other professionals whose job is to constantly challenge the status quo and drive medical, technological and scientific innovation forward should be the example for everyone. Our job is to ASK QUESTIONS and KEEP LOOKING FOR ANSWERS. If we encourage each other to REMAIN CURIOUS, we will inspire others to do so too.

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