The science of curiosity: why we keep asking "why"

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the decline of curiosity in children as they grow older, and the importance of cultivating curiosity throughout one's life.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Children's Curiosity

1. How often do children ask questions?

• On average, children ask 107 questions per hour.

2. How does the level of curiosity change as children grow older?

• A study found that "episodes of curiosity" (such as asking questions, manipulating objects, or directed gazing) occurred 2.36 times in a two-hour stretch in kindergarten, but only 0.48 times in a fifth-grade classroom.

3. What happens to creativity as children grow older?

• A study by Dr. George Land found that 98% of 5-year-olds scored the highest possible score on a creativity test, but only 30% of the same children scored well on the test at age 10, and only 12% at age 15.

[02] Benefits of Curiosity

1. How does curiosity affect longevity?

• Research shows that people with high levels of curiosity are more likely to be alive five years later.

2. How does curiosity help with learning?

• Curiosity helps people better remember new information.

3. How does curiosity affect relationships?

• Being genuinely interested in other people helps build more robust relationships and create a greater feeling of intimacy.

[03] Cultivating Curiosity

1. What are some activities that can help cultivate curiosity?

• Asking questions, reading outside of one's field, being inquisitive with people, practicing saying less, immersing oneself in a topic, writing, carrying a notebook, learning about oneself, slowing down, and hanging out with a child.