The Sacred Gift Of Curiosity

Have you ever heard the term, curiosity killed the cat? Well, thank goodness people do not have that same condition happening to them. Curiosity is a very important part of personal development. It keeps us striving to learn more, which in turn keeps us moving forward with our growth.

Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning (William A. Ward)

The miraculous power that will drive man to the far reaches of the universe is not  anything tangible, such as rocket fuel or time travel. The power that will get him there comes from within. It is his insatiable appetite to explore. It is called curiosity. Just as infants tirelessly delight in exploring their immediate surroundings, man is driven to extend himself. He stretches out into space and reaches deep within himself, examining his own genes. Each new discovery leads to new questions, which calls for further exploration. Therefore, we travel on an endless road, motivated by the excitement we experience with each new discovery. Curiosity is the mother of philosophy, religion, and science.

Curiosity is a sacred gift. That is why  Einstein called it “holy” when he wrote, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.”

Despite the treasures we have inherited at birth, many of us have become jaded, allowing the candle of curiosity to burn out. The result is devastating. We are surrounded by lost souls, drifting without a purpose, unaware of the wonder that surrounds them. They wander in a trance in search of happiness that eludes them. What happened? What went wrong? Many have been taken in by the false promises of advertising. We are told by the media that happiness comes from leading the “good life.” Material possessions, an attractive mate, and leisure time are the sources of happiness, so we are told.

But what happens when we accept the bait and follow this empty dream? Well, let us look
at an example. A young man thinks he can make big bucks in the Information Technology field, so he enrolls in an IT school. After entering, he discovers he has to study monster-size books. Soon, he is thinking, “Hey! No fair! Where is my leisure time? These books are b-o-r-i-n-g!!” If he graduates, what is his reward? More books! Bigger books! A lifetime of study! To stay employed, he will have to keep abreast of the ever-changing technology.

If we are unhappy in our present place of employment, there is no point in changing our job until we change our attitude. We need to change our perception, our awareness. We need to rekindle our curiosity and rediscover the joy of learning and creation. When we follow the right path, we will arrive at the right place. Remember, no time, place, or position is the wrong point to begin. Regardless of our age or job, we can always reignite our curiosity and set foot on the right road.

Why should you go on living? To satisfy your curiosity! How do we conquer boredom? With curiosity! How do we protect democracy and guard the environment? Is it not by being curious enough to question the statements of politicians and big business, while searching out the truth?

Your life does not stop at the walls of your home or apartment. It extends outward, beyond the walls. There is a limitless universe and a bottomless ocean of knowledge waiting to be explored.

Can we make any progress without curiosity? Do we not need to ask an endless series of questions?  The joy of life not only flows from our personal discoveries, but also from learning the solutions offered by others. Who knows? The next exciting thing I learn may be something you have discovered.

With thanks to Chuck Gallozzi http://www.personal-development.com/chuck/curiosity.htm