If you’re Gen X or older, you probably heard that proverb often growing up.  It was usually delivered as a snide remark – a warning to stay out of other people’s business or avoid trouble.

 

I checked in with Copilot, who added: “Often used playfully, but it carries a deeper caution – not all knowledge is worth the risk. Interestingly, the full version is less commonly quoted: ‘Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back.’ This addition softens the warning, suggesting that curiosity can be worthwhile if it leads to meaningful insight.” I’m enjoying AI.

 

Limiting beliefs, closed minds

 

In its most used form – the shortened version – that proverb, like so many others I encountered as a young person, is a limiting belief. The smart people of the world are constantly talking about being “solutions-driven” to meet the demands of this rapidly evolving millennium. We’re told to use our creative minds, to think of things no one else has, to stay ahead.

 

But that sentiment often comes from a left-brained society – one caught up in logic, analysis, competition, and the relentless pursuit of more. Follow due process, tick all the boxes, and you’re guaranteed success. The more things you have, the happier you’ll be. It’s a mindset divorced from its right-brained counterpart, where true creativity and freedom lives.

 

How can you be creative and free when you’re living in anxiety and depression – stuck in a place that holds you like a captured bird with the cage door open?

 

Where is the off switch?

 

Curiosity is the intersection of the unknown and the unafraid. We generally fear what we don’t know but curiosity invites us to sit with not knowing without letting fear in. It’s empowering to go in with an open heart and mind to discover new things. Free from any preconceptions, any expectations, any doubts.

 

It’s a beautiful way to encounter life, people, the world. You remove the societal filters of prejudgment and enter a space of awe and inquisitiveness. Like a child. Children are intensely curious. And you were once that curious child, likely until you entered the formal education system. But the beauty of neuroplasticity is that you can learn how to be curious again.

 

Lifelong learning is the path

 

We’re so focused on ‘formal’ education – overpriced and often lacking the real ‘smarts’ we need to stay grounded, connected, and live in love, kindness, and honesty. Curiosity is the way to stay on the path of lifelong learning. Life gives us millions of opportunities to learn new things each and every day.

 

I love my journey of discovering new things, intentionally and unintentionally. So, if you were wondering why I’ve posted an image of my matcha latte, let me quench your inquisitive mind. Have you ever wondered why beverage stirrers are made with an indent near the top? I just assumed it was someone’s design idea, to be fancy. Well today, I found out. As the barista covered my hot beverage with the lid and placed the stirrer in the open hole, I had an AHA moment. Maybe you’ve known this, or maybe you think it’s boring – but it lit up my morning!

 

Curiosity isn’t just about gaining knowledge – it’s about discovering new ways to engage with life. It’s how you feel gratitude for the intelligence and wisdom of Life because everything is on purpose. Nothing is by accident.

 

Dear heart, you don’t need a classroom. You need to question. And then you need the courage to change your reality.

 

Photo credit: robynwrites