A few years ago, I met someone new who barely uttered a word when we first talked. They didn’t even laugh at my jokes… as if. I’d labeled them distant, assuming I already knew their story and who they were. Later, I learned they were quietly juggling the pressure of caring for an ill family member while navigating financial uncertainty. Although I am naturally curious, I realized this unlock might be one of the most important. Staying curious doesn’t give others an excuse to be rude, but it shouldn’t be your excuse.
It’s not just about people, though. Curiosity invites us to explore unfamiliar topics, skills, and ideas. Instead of saying, “I know what that is and it’s not for me,” curiosity nudges us to ask, “What might I learn if I dig deeper?” Letting go of judgment frees us to discover hidden interests, spark new passions, and embrace lifelong learning. The world becomes bigger, richer, and more layered. I sit in a lot of design review meetings, and I try to take the position of, “How might this work?” instead of providing the semi-expected critique.
When our family, along with the whole world, watched Ted Lasso, I was compelled by Ted’s sentiment, “Be curious, not judgmental.” Curiosity pushes us to wonder instead of assume. We’re not just deciding if someone is friendly or unfriendly—we’re asking questions that unearth perspectives we’ve never imagined. And we’re not just glancing at an unfamiliar topic and dismissing it—we’re diving in, reading about it, testing it out, and seeing how it fits into our evolving understanding of the world.
I am not the first person to uncover the hidden power of curiosity. Philosophers and thinkers have stressed the power of an inquiring mind. Epictetus said, “It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.” Being curious opens a window to learning because it acknowledges that we might not have the full picture. It keeps us humble enough to realize that each day is a chance to expand our understanding. Modern innovators thrive on this principle. Charlie Munger, the late business partner of Warren Buffett, attributes much of his success to constant learning. Charlie would continuously read books on subjects outside his field, seeking out diverse ideas and questioning his own assumptions. He found relentless curiosity that fuels new insights, better decisions, and unexpected breakthroughs.
How to Put Curiosity Into Practice
- Pause and Reassess Before You Judge:
Whether you’re meeting a person, evaluating an idea, or encountering a new skill, catch yourself in the act of quick assumptions. Instead of “I know what this is,” ask, “What might I be missing?” A brief pause can shift your mindset from rigid certainty to open exploration. - Ask Questions—in Relationships and Beyond:
With people, trade silent assumptions for honest inquiries: “How are you feeling today?” or “Tell me more about what interests you.” And apply the same approach to new subjects: “What can I learn from quantum physics?” “Why are people so excited about this art movement?” Questions transform unfamiliar ground into territory to explore. - Seek Fresh Perspectives and Fields of Knowledge:
Don’t limit your curiosity to familiar spaces. Read outside your favorite genre, listen to interviews with people who think differently than you do, attend a webinar on a topic you know nothing about. This broadens your view of what’s possible—be it understanding another human being more deeply or discovering an area of study that sets your mind ablaze.
The Bigger Picture: The World Expands With Curiosity
Choosing curiosity over judgment doesn’t just help you understand people better—it can transform your relationship with the entire world. Suddenly, you’re open to learning a new language, trying your hand at painting, learning some science, or understanding cultural traditions. Whenever you say, “I wonder,” you put yourself on a path of growth and discovery. Don’t outsource your curiosity to influencers on YouTube or TikTok. They are helpful, but the bit-sized philosophy sounds good and appetizes in 15-second clips. Curiosity takes practice. It will shift your mindset and get you ready for other unlocks.