<p>On a related note, I attempted an answer on the question: <em><a href="https://cogsci.stackexchange.com/questions/5324/what-causes-a-person-to-be-curious-inquisitive-and-explorative/5488#5488">What causes a person to be curious, inquisitive and explorative?</a></em></p>

<p><strong>Context</strong></p>

<p>The younger generations (like mine) have developed in an over-stimulated environment. We are no longer satisfied nor amazed by simple things. As budgets for show-business and entertainment companies grew, so did our standards for amazement and wonder. [<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennials" rel="nofollow noreferrer">1</a>] </p>

<blockquote>
  <p><em>In our increasingly complex world, the amount of information required to master any particular discipline — e.g. computers, life insurance, medicine — has expanded geometrically. We are forced to become specialists, people who know more and more about less and less.</em> [<a href="http://jpederzane.wordpress.com/2012/04/22/lack-of-curiosity-is-curious/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">2</a>]</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Like this quote denotes, I sometimes feel that everything is already explored or have been done before. This vision often cause a reflex to search for existing answers before even tackling a problem on my own. </p>

<p>He continues by saying that we are not going to school because of an initial desire to learn and understand the world, but because the existing world wants us to learn what it considers important:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p><em>In this frightening new world, students do not turn to universities for mind expansion but vocational training.</em> [<a href="http://jpederzane.wordpress.com/2012/04/22/lack-of-curiosity-is-curious/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">2</a>]</p>
</blockquote>

<p><strong>Factors of influence</strong></p>

<p>Motivation (in any flavor) can be influenced by personality characteristics, environmental factors and social situations. For example, there is a negative correlation between being in a depressed state and demonstrating curiosity in general.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p><em>It has been suggested that <strong>a decline in curiosity is one characteristic manifested by depressed individuals</strong>. [...] Results indicated that subjects made temporarily depressed reported significantly less state curiosity, perceived value of information, and desire for additional knowledge than elated or neutral subjects.</em> [<a href="http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01183135#page-1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">3</a>]</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Now if we look at <em>Maslow's hierarchy of needs</em>, it seems obvious that people with less satisfied needs are not naturally led to be curious. This implies that any society, family or individual that never approves the work of others, that can't provide security or food to its members doesn't provide an environment suitable for curiosity to develop.
<img src="https://i.sstatic.net/DBTeo.jpg" alt="Maslow&#39;s hierarchy of needs"></p>

<p>There might also be physiological and developmental predispositions to grow up curious about the world. You can read more about these <strong><a href="http://www.quora.com/Why-are-some-people-more-curious-than-others" rel="nofollow noreferrer">here</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://susantblake.com/captains-curious-why-are-some-people-more-curious-than-others/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">here</a></strong>.</p>

<p><strong>Training?</strong></p>

<p><em>The next section is highly subjective as it contains personal opinions</em></p>

<p>While there are things you can do to increase the likelihood of becoming curious about a particular subjects, I don't believe curiosity is something you can unlock with a magical treatment. Don't force it. It develops with time and new experiences. </p>

<p>Thing I would suggest:</p>

<ul>
<li><p>Making practical uses of a subject, making links to other subjects you are already interested in. For instance, I became highly motivated in math and physics classes after finding an application for it in 3D game development. On another note, some people tackle life's problems with metaphors of things they know well.</p></li>
<li><p>Breaking the desire for stability, security and familiarity. Here is some media on the subject: <em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XRPbFIN4lk" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Sell your crap. Pay your debt. Do what you love</a></em>, <em><a href="http://jordanphoenix.quora.com/Fuck-Your-Comfort-Zone" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Fuck your comfort zone</a></em>.</p></li>
<li><p>Learning to learn (as stereotypical as it may sound) and doing things that you love.</p></li>
<li><p>Surround yourself with curious, motivated and interesting people. It will lead to very interesting discussions and you will learn lots of stuff from each other.</p></li>
</ul>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-04-29T00:33:03.013Z
2014-04-29T00:33:03.013Z
2017-04-13T12:56:16.417Z
icosamuel
<p>I know that curiosity is developed kinda on it's own. You don't know when you'll become curious. But is it possible to train one's mind to become curious about certain subject? I've seen titles and tips on "how" to become curious, but I don't think those "X steps" will make someone's mind budge.  </p>

<p>Is it possible to sort of prime oneself to become curious? Mind priming seams powerful for certain things, and it's only thing that I thought could work. Again, priming mind that knows it's gonna be primed sounds rather tricky. </p>

<p>Note: I know the question is messy,so please,do correct me and tag appropriately if needed . :)</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-06-12T18:59:26.623Z
Can you bring an example of what you want to get curious about? And can you also tell why you want to be curious about it?
SBel
<cognitive-psychology><personality><brain-training>
Is it possible to develop curiosity?
DetectiveShmee
# Is it possible to develop curiosity?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-04-21)

I know that curiosity is developed kinda on it's own. You don't know when you'll become curious. But is it possible to train one's mind to become curious about certain subject? I've seen titles and tips on "how" to become curious, but I don't think those "X steps" will make someone's mind budge.

Is it possible to sort of prime oneself to become curious? Mind priming seams powerful for certain things, and it's only thing that I thought could work. Again, priming mind that knows it's gonna be primed sounds rather tricky.

Note: I know the question is messy,so please,do correct me and tag appropriately if needed . :)

**Tags:** cognitive-psychology, personality, brain-training

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Can you bring an example of what you want to get curious about? And can you also tell why you want to be curious about it?  

---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2014-04-29. Score: 4

On a related note, I attempted an answer on the question: *[What causes a person to be curious, inquisitive and explorative?](https://cogsci.stackexchange.com/questions/5324/what-causes-a-person-to-be-curious-inquisitive-and-explorative/5488#5488)*

**Context**

The younger generations (like mine) have developed in an over-stimulated environment. We are no longer satisfied nor amazed by simple things. As budgets for show-business and entertainment companies grew, so did our standards for amazement and wonder. [[1](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennials)]

> *In our increasingly complex world, the amount of information required to master any particular discipline — e.g. computers, life insurance, medicine — has expanded geometrically. We are forced to become specialists, people who know more and more about less and less.* [[2](http://jpederzane.wordpress.com/2012/04/22/lack-of-curiosity-is-curious/)]

Like this quote denotes, I sometimes feel that everything is already explored or have been done before. This vision often cause a reflex to search for existing answers before even tackling a problem on my own.

He continues by saying that we are not going to school because of an initial desire to learn and understand the world, but because the existing world wants us to learn what it considers important:

> *In this frightening new world, students do not turn to universities for mind expansion but vocational training.* [[2](http://jpederzane.wordpress.com/2012/04/22/lack-of-curiosity-is-curious/)]

**Factors of influence**

Motivation (in any flavor) can be influenced by personality characteristics, environmental factors and social situations. For example, there is a negative correlation between being in a depressed state and demonstrating curiosity in general.

> *It has been suggested that **a decline in curiosity is one characteristic manifested by depressed individuals**. [...] Results indicated that subjects made temporarily depressed reported significantly less state curiosity, perceived value of information, and desire for additional knowledge than elated or neutral subjects.* [[3](http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01183135#page-1)]

Now if we look at *Maslow's hierarchy of needs*, it seems obvious that people with less satisfied needs are not naturally led to be curious. This implies that any society, family or individual that never approves the work of others, that can't provide security or food to its members doesn't provide an environment suitable for curiosity to develop.
![Maslow's hierarchy of needs](https://i.sstatic.net/DBTeo.jpg)

There might also be physiological and developmental predispositions to grow up curious about the world. You can read more about these **[here](http://www.quora.com/Why-are-some-people-more-curious-than-others)** and **[here](http://susantblake.com/captains-curious-why-are-some-people-more-curious-than-others/)**.

**Training?**

*The next section is highly subjective as it contains personal opinions*

While there are things you can do to increase the likelihood of becoming curious about a particular subjects, I don't believe curiosity is something you can unlock with a magical treatment. Don't force it. It develops with time and new experiences.

Thing I would suggest:

* Making practical uses of a subject, making links to other subjects you are already interested in. For instance, I became highly motivated in math and physics classes after finding an application for it in 3D game development. On another note, some people tackle life's problems with metaphors of things they know well.
* Breaking the desire for stability, security and familiarity. Here is some media on the subject: *[Sell your crap. Pay your debt. Do what you love](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XRPbFIN4lk)*, *[Fuck your comfort zone](http://jordanphoenix.quora.com/Fuck-Your-Comfort-Zone)*.
* Learning to learn (as stereotypical as it may sound) and doing things that you love.
* Surround yourself with curious, motivated and interesting people. It will lead to very interesting discussions and you will learn lots of stuff from each other.


---

