Why curiosity is more important than erudition

Curiosity breeds action, erudition kills it

Thanks to the development of the Internet, mere knowledge of facts has become almost useless. This, in turn, made curiosity and the ability to ask questions especially valuable. Almost any entrepreneur will confirm that curiosity and interest are more important than thorough knowledge of the market.

If knowledge was at the heart of innovation, startups would be founded by intellectuals wise and experienced over the years. However, academics are usually the least likely to take risks.

Don't stop asking questions. Don't stop being curious. Never lose the naive belief that new discoveries are just around the corner.

And it's not just about the development of the Internet. Curiosity has always been more important than erudition. Einstein, for example, did not know some well-known facts because he wanted to free the brain for more important activities - asking questions and presenting.

How to develop curiosity

Of course, some are born more curious than others, but this trait can be developed. The school usually tries to erase this quality from us, so formal training will not help you. You will have to teach yourself curiosity yourself.

Play

Try this simple curiosity game while sitting in a coffee shop. Try to calculate how much revenue the coffee shop received while you are there. Then imagine how much the owners spend on rent, employee salaries, groceries, and how much profit they end up with. Then you will wonder how long they will last if things go along the same lines. And there you will already imagine the next three establishments that will take this place when the coffee house goes bankrupt.

Be curious at work

Inquisitive employees are constantly researching, trying and coming up with new ideas that can benefit the company. Don't be afraid to be curious. Even abstract questions that seem to have nothing to do with your day-to-day responsibilities will help you grow and increase your value as an employee.

Don't get hung up on learning

Learning something new is much easier and faster than we used to think. Of course, when we try to learn something just for the sake of prestige, the process becomes slow and painful. But in a fit of curiosity, you can learn at a breakneck speed.

So be interested in everything. Be curious. And don't forget that explosive growth happens through curiosity, not knowledge.