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Why Are Humans So Curious?
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Why Are Humans So Curious?

Curiosity is a hallmark of the human experience. But why?

Grant Currin
Live Science, 2020
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9

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Humans have long celebrated their penchant for exploration and novel innovations. As the late British author Ken Robinson said, “Curiosity is the engine of achievement.” Canadian ice-hockey goaltender Maxime Lagacé goes a step beyond, suggesting that “curiosity and questions will get you further than confidence and answers.” What he fails to mention is that “further” sometimes means “off the edge of a cliff.” Humans are curious, and curiosity has served them well, but according to this Live Science article by journalist Grant Currin, it also has probably led to a lot of death and destruction. 

Take-Aways

  • Curiosity is hard to define, but it’s a characteristic ingrained in the human experience.
  • Humans aren’t the only species that demonstrate curiosity; dogs and crows are curious, as are purposely programmed robots.
  • Curiosity is an inherited genetic trait that has led to both destruction and astounding innovations.

About the Author

Grant Currin is a science journalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic, Scientific American, WIRED and Curiosity Daily.

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