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Curiosity helps us survive
The urge to explore and seek novelty helps us understand our constantly changing environment, which may be why our brains evolved to release dopamine and other feel-good chemicals when we encounter new things.
Curious people are happier
Studies link curiosity with positive emotions and psychological well-being.
Curiosity boosts achievement
Curiosity can expand our empathy
When we are curious about others and talk to people outside our usual social circle, we become better able to understand those with lives and worldviews different than our own.
Curiosity strengthens our relationships
In one study, after people asked a stranger personal questions and answered the stranger’s own questions, the stranger rated curious people as more attractive and felt closer to them than less curious people.
Curiosity improves healthcare
Research has shown that when doctors are genuinely curious about their patients’ perspectives, both doctors and patients report less anger and frustration and make better decisions, ultimately increasing the effectiveness of their treatment.
For more on the science of curiosity, visit the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.
Here is an exercise, provided by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, to help you build curiosity right now.
