The Power Of…

If you want to know what it means
you can copy it from here: 物好き

     Today we’ll be talking about something that is essential to our existence. If it wasn’t for “it” we wouldn’t have lived through most of our lives. We’ll be talking about something that every living being has the capability of doing. Something that is pretty much there from the very start; since you were born and all the way through adulthood.

     However, it is not really an instinct, rather a simple emotion that can be expressed in various ways. It is also part of the reason why you’re still reading through this article (or like most impatient people have already skimmed through and know what I’m talking about).

     Did I grab you’re attention? Good! Have no worries, you have it too. I’m talking of course about a simple phenomenon known best as ‘Curiosity’ (no, not the rover that NASA sent to the Mars).

     Curiosity is arguably one of the most important reasons we keep going through life. Who am I? Why am I here? What will become of me? How am I going to live my life? Who will I share it with? These are all questions that are simply asked by one’s own curious mind.

     If it wasn’t for curiosity, I don’t believe humanity would’ve survived that far. After all, most of our intellects and inventors, such as Thomas Edison, Leonardo da Vinci and Albert Einstein, were all curious characters. “Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.” - Samuel Johnson

     We all know the proverb used to warn us from the dangers of unnecessary investigation or experimentation. I’m talking of course about “curiosity killed the cat,” which (and after a long time researching it’s origin), came from Shakespeare (who would’ve thought right?)

     Apparently the first time it was written was back in his 1598 play ‘Every Man in His Humor’ where he wrote “...Helter skelter, hang sorrow, care will kill a cat, up-tails all, and a pox on the hangman.” Anyway going back to my point. Did you know: a less frequently used proverb that follows "curiosity killed the cat" is “but satisfaction brought it back.”

     A 2007 survey of more than 10,000 people from 48 countries and published in Perspectives on Psychological Sciences: “Happiness was viewed as more important than success, intelligence, knowledge, maturity, wisdom, relationships, wealth and meaning in life.”

     And guess what? Curiosity is one of the most dependable and ignored keys to happiness, simply because it opens a window to the unfamiliar. It give you room to discover, find opportunities, have experiences that will eventually form the person that you are now.

     Curiosity is something that can definitely be cultivated and taken care of. With various means of practice, one can certainly exploit the power of curiosity, transforming everyday tasks into exciting and pleasant experiences. It all starts with the need to learn more about life or even about a loved one. “Getting to know someone else involves curiosity about where they have come from, who they are.” - Penelope Lively.

     When we get curious, we see things differently; we use our powers of observation to their utmost extent. We feel alive and engaged. More importantly, we feel able to embrace new opportunities, making connections, and experiencing moments filled with insight. All of which gives us the groundwork for a rich, informed and, most importantly, a satisfying life experience.