“The most exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions.”
—Dr. Myron Golden

“Be curious, not judgmental.”
—Walt Whitman

We are all born curious. That natural drive to explore, question, and understand the world around us isn’t just adorable—it’s vital to brain development and long-term mental health. As it turns out, curiosity isn’t just a nice trait—it’s brain capital.

If creativity is the engine of innovation, then curiosity is the fuel.

Curiosity and the Brain

Neuroscientists, psychologists, and educators now agree: curiosity is critical for learning, creativity, emotional regulation, and even addiction recovery. Dr. Rahul Jandial, a neurosurgeon at City of Hope, reminds us, “Your brain is thinking flesh, and the best way to work it out is to THINK!”

Curiosity gives your brain a workout—and just like any good workout, it leaves your brain stronger, more flexible, and more resilient.

Even Einstein confessed, “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”

Going Deeper: Transcendent Thinking

But curiosity shouldn’t stop at the surface. Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, Director of USC’s Center for Affective Neuroscience in Learning and Education, coined the term “transcendent thinking”—the ability to observe something and extract deeper meaning or metaphor.

For example, when my son Shawn observes a butterfly’s transformation, he doesn’t just study the biology. He asks:

“When am I in a chrysalis stage? Have I started to fly yet?”

This kind of reflective, metaphorical questioning builds self-awareness, empathy, and purpose—all key components of brain capital.

Curious Minds Are Caring Minds

The word curiosity comes from the Latin cura, meaning care. Deep curiosity—especially about people, cultures, and ideas different from our own—can increase intercultural creativity and connection. It’s a pathway to building more inclusive, resilient, and creative communities.

It is our curiosity that will drive us into the future. Let’s go together.

Once again, “Be curious, not judgmental.” And soar high like a butterfly!