Dr. Clark Hammond
Whether “curiosity killed the cat” or not is apparently debatable. Efforts to understand the history of this well-known phrase revealed that the original version was quite different. It showed up initially in Ben Johnson’s 1598 comedy, Every Man in His Humour as “care’ll kill a cat…” meaning too much worry or sorrow might just do a cat in. Shakespeare actually performed in that play, and was clearly intrigued by the line, later including it in his own play, Much Ado about Nothing.
It wasn’t until the 1873 book, A Handful of Proverbs by James Allan Mair, that we see the phrase as we know it today, “Curiosity killed the cat.” Still, that was a while ago.
So let’s get to the point. Despite the side road I just took us on – as a product of my own curiosity – being curious has gotten a bad rap for generations. What parent hasn’t shut down the incessant string of “why-questions” from their innocently curious children? And what about Curious George? That poor monkey was ALWAYS getting into trouble! And whether you like cats or not, if curiosity was its kryptonite, it should be avoided like the plague.
Or so we (as kids) might have thought. The truth is that curiosity is the life-blood of creativity. The technology with which this article was written, posted, and read developed out of an unapologetic drive to answer the questions “why?” and “why not?” It was born out of curiosity. Bob Borchers, one of the smart, curious men behind the creation of the iPhone once said, “Innovation, creativity, earth-shattering break-throughs, understanding, acceptance, awareness – all come through curiosity.”
We could explore myriad elements of curiosity, but for now, I’d like to focus on “the fabulous four” benefits that we may not have linked to a healthy dose of being curious.
1. Social Relationships
In our work with young adults, guiding them toward more meaningful social connection is often at the top of the list. When discussing how to make and keep friends, we’ll often hear things like, “I just don’t know what to say.” Curiosity can help. Forming and maintaining healthy relationships is much easier when you approach them with genuine interest and an attitude of openness.
Going into social situations armed with curiosity can take the edge off of a generally anxiety-rich experience. Research indicates that even after a first meeting, curious people are rated as more enthusiastic, energetic, talkative, interesting, humorous, and lacking in timidity and anxiety compared to less-curious people.
2. Intelligence
Several studies have heighted the positive correlation of curiosity with intelligence. One such study, published in 2002, correctly predicted that highly curious toddlers would have higher IQs as older children than their less-curious counterparts. The researchers measured the cognitive functioning of 1,795 3-year-olds, and then measured them again at age 11. Sure enough, the 11-year-olds who were highly curious as toddlers scored higher than the less-curious kids on IQ tests by 12 points – almost one standard deviation on the IQ scale. They also showed superior reading and overall scholastic ability.
Other studies have shown that higher levels of curiosity in adults are linked to greater problem-solving skills, analytic ability, and overall intelligence.
3. Health
In 1996, Psychology and Aging published a study where over 1,000 older adults (aged 60 – 85) were carefully observed for five years. Interestingly, those who were rated as more curious were more likely to be alive at the end of the study (even after factoring in age, tobacco use, and other health concerns).
Another study published in 2005 included over 1,000 patients found that higher levels of curiosity correlated with a reduced likelihood of developing diabetes and hypertension.
4. Happiness
Martin Seligman and Chris Peterson, pioneers in the field of Positive Psychology, sifted through the works of ancient philosophers, religious writings, and contemporary literature and identified various patterns that led them to devise a scientific classification of the basic human strengths. After a series of scientific testing, they came up with 24 strengths. Interestingly, of those basic strengths, only five of them were highly associated with happiness and fulfillment. Curiosity was one of the five.
Dan Gilbert, psychology professor at Harvard University, provides another connection between curiosity and happiness. In his book, Stumbling on Happiness, Dr. Gilbert illustrates that we’re more likely to find happiness by stumbling upon it, as opposed to going after it with a plan. It makes sense, then, that developing the skill of curiosity opens the door to new, fulling experiences.
As we launch into a new year, perhaps one of the resolutions to embrace is a reframe on the old adage, “Curiosity Killed the Cat.” Can you imagine how improved social connections, intelligence, health, and happiness – all through the cultivation of curiosity – can enhance your life?
Just curious.
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