Definition: (1) strongly desirous to learn or know; (2) possessing a need to investigate; (3) quizzical
Balancing Qualities: Diplomacy, Discretion, Thoughtful
Familial Qualities: adventuresome, explorative
Consequential Quality: understanding
Too Far: nosy, prying
Note: A person’s privacy should always be respected.
Music: “What’s Going On?” {1971}
Father, father
We don’t need to escalate
You see, war is not the answer
For only love can conquer hate
You know we’ve got to find a way
To bring some lovin’ here today
— Marvin Pentz Gaye (1939-1984) American soul singer
Proverb: Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back.
Note: Curiosity not balanced by caution can be dangerous.
Quotes:
• The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity. — Dorothy Parker (1893-1967) American poet and satirist
• Satisfaction of one’s curiosity is one of the greatest sources of happiness in life. — Linus Pauling (1901-1994) American chemist
Comment: When you ask a question, you are exhibiting your desire for the qualities of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. At the same time, you are enhancing the qualities of curiosity and wonder. And you are exemplifying communication and possibly courage.
Fictional Figure: Curious George {1941} gets in trouble because of his curiosity. He has adventures, and yet everything turns out okay. — Hans Augusto Rey (1898-1977) & Margret Rey (1906-1996) German-American authors
Symbols: the brown bear; protea flowers