18th Century Philosopher Edmond Burke noted that “The first and simplest emotion we discover in the human mind is curiosity.” Curiosity is an intrinsic aspect of human development, observable from the earliest stages of life. For instance, infants as young as one to two months old will turn their heads toward interesting objects and people, indicating an early form of curiosity.
What Happens to Our Curiosity as We Age?
We are all born with curiosity but what happens as we age? Children ask why, how and when, among many other questions. However, as we grow older, we often find it easier to “live as one who knows than the student who grows.”
In this time of political divisiveness and social unrest, it seems that it is more important than ever to seek wisdom and understanding by remaining curious and open to learning. It is for this reason that we established a Wisdom Group at the University Denver which has grown in membership from 13 individuals six months ago to over ninety today. (See: Purposeful-Aging.org Wise Women).
Wisdom and curiosity are deeply interconnected, forming a dynamic relationship that fuels lifelong learning, growth, and adaptability. Without curiosity, wisdom remains stagnant.
Wisdom as a Guide for Curiosity
While curiosity encourages exploration, wisdom helps discern valuable insights from distractions. It allows individuals to distinguish between superficial knowledge and profound understanding. It compels individuals to gather knowledge, challenge assumptions, and engage with new ideas. More than simply gathering knowledge however, wisdom ensures that learning is purposeful and connected to deeper truths and allows individuals to distinguish between superficial knowledge and profound understanding…thus its importance today.
A wise person remains open to new perspectives while applying past experiences effectively. In essence, wise individuals maintain their edge by staying curious, adapting to change and remaining engaged with the world. They also turn to deep reflection to learn about oneself and others in the spirit of Socrates, a Greek philosopher who is quoted as saying, “Wonder is the beginning of wisdom” and also professed that “an unexamined life is not worth living.”
Nobody Knows Everything
One of the pillars of our above-mentioned Wisdom Group is the practice of epistemic humility, or the acknowledgement that no one person knows everything. Our members agree to remain open to the idea that someone else knows things we do not and cannot. Epistemic humility, at its core, is the willingness to revise one’s beliefs when confronted with better evidence and recognizing that even deeply held convictions might be flawed. It is a key virtue in critical thinking, wisdom and intellectual growth, fostering deeper inquiry, respectful dialogue and adaptability in an ever-changing world.
Impact of Curiosity on Healthy Aging and Longevity
The desire to learn, explore, and understand—has been linked to various aspects of healthy aging and longevity, including one’s cognitive health. Studies have shown that older adults who remain curious tend to have better memory and cognitive abilities, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Curiosity also fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment, contributing to emotional health. It encourages individuals to seek new experiences and knowledge, which can lead to greater life.
Further, a curious mindset often leads to increased social interactions as individuals pursue new relationships and community activities. These social engagements are vital for mental health and can prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation, factors that have been linked to increased mortality risk and lastly, curiosity can motivate individuals to engage in physical activities, such as exploring new hobbies or participating in group exercises. Staying physically active is a well-established contributor to longevity, helping to maintain mobility and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
I recently downloaded two books: “How Not to Become a Crotchety Old Man,” and the other, “How Not to Act Like a Little Old Lady” written by 80-year-old Mary McHugh. Though neither is apt to win a Pulitzer Prize, these books are delightful, humorous, and encourage us all to lead interesting stimulating lives. If you are indeed curious, I suggest you read them both. I also encourage you to enroll in Enrichment Courses offered by the University of Denver https://universitycollege.du.edu or MEA.
Maintaining a curious mind encourages continuous learning, social interaction, and active living, all of which are associated with longer and healthier lives. View https://www.purposeful-aging.org/ for more information on each of these related topics.
-Barbara
Barbara Kreisman earned a PhD in Leadership and Organizational Development from the University of Texas and is an Emerita Professor at the University of Denver where she served as Associate Dean of the College of Business for 17 years. Prior to entering the academic environment, Barb was a senior leader at Dell Technologies. She is currently affiliated with the University of Denver’s Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging and will return there upon completion of the LSI program. She is a four-time MEA alum.