The Benefits of Being Interested in Everything
Introduction
Anyone who has spent any amount of time around children is intimately familiar with the question “why?” Indeed, it is one of the first questions we learn to ask as humans: Why is the sky blue? Why is it raining? Why do I have to do the dishes? Why? Scientists and psychologists have long known the importance of such inquiries in intellectual development, but more recently, studies have shown that such childlike curiosity has benefits for people of all ages, not just for children.
The Psychological and Health Benefits
You might be asking yourself, “How does one quantify curiosity?” Surprisingly, there is a concrete answer: a small group of psychologists developed “the Curiosity and Exploration Inventory (CEI) comprising 2 dimensions: exploration (appetitive strivings for novelty and challenge) and absorption (full engagement in specific activities)” (Kashdan, Rose, & Fincham). Essentially, interest and engagement. The research conducted based on this model showed definite psychological benefits: higher energy levels, lower anxiety levels, greater satisfaction and positivity, and overall greater mental well-being. Furthermore, curiosity about anything and everything is a leftover evolutionary trait from early humans: the more curious stayed more alert to the world around them, garnering them a greater chance of survival. As a result, to this day we are naturally inclined to become excited by new things. Curiosity and discovery also boosts a sense of achievement, expands empathy, and fosters a sense of purpose and wonder in the human mind.
The Best Cook Among the Engineers
We have all heard the phrase “Jack of all trades, master of none” to refer to someone who is somewhat good at many things. Certainly the world needs those with highly specialized knowledge and expertise, but it also needs those whose knowledge is flexible and expansive. For instance, would a chef be a chef if they could cook only one dish? Would a reporter be a reporter if they reported on only one recurring incident? A wide range of skills indicates a broad range of interests, and versatility is often the key to success. An anonymous internet user once spoke of their great uncle, who loved cooking, engineering, and a great many other things– he said to them, “Among the cooks, I am the best engineer, and among the engineers I am the best cook.”
Do What Brings You Joy
The world today is very concerned with making as much money as possible– it seems inevitable, with the climbing cost of living. Yet, in light of this, having one or two unmonetized hobbies proves more vital than ever: it allows expression to flow freely, allows us to vent our negative emotions, and allows us to participate in that ever-important process of creation. Even if participating in a pastime that you would not strictly consider a hobby, treat it as what it is: a chance to discover. Go for a walk somewhere unfamiliar, have a picnic in the park, hold a bonfire, or sit by the window and watch the rainstorm. Whatever it is, taking a moment to find beauty and wonder in the small things is but one small step you can take to better your day, and perhaps even your life.
Conclusion
Holding onto one’s sense of wonder is not always easy: feeling bogged down, stressed, and burnt out seems an unfortunate norm for the working class nowadays. However, this reality makes curiosity, wonder, and discovery that much more vital: without those small moments of joy, life can too quickly become unbearably bleak. While work may drain us, our hobbies serve to rejuvenate us. In a world obsessed with workaholism, branding, and capital, take time to create and discover for yourself– do what brings you joy.
Sources:
Todd B. Kashdan, Paul Rose & Frank D. Fincham (2004) Curiosity and Exploration: Facilitating Positive Subjective Experiences and Personal Growth Opportunities, Journal of Personality Assessment, 82:3, 291-305, DOI: 10.1207/s15327752jpa8203_05
Emily Campbell (2015) Six Surprising Benefits of Curiosity, Greater Good Magazine, https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_surprising_benefits_of_curiosity
