I n an era marked by rapid technological progress, where entertainment, food and even romance are conveniently accessible through AI-powered platforms, we often overlook the extent to which we rely on algorithms. Given that approximately 3.5 billion individuals own smartphones, the widespread availability of information at our fingertips has created a favourable environment for satisfying our inherent curiosity. However, this ease of access to vast knowledge repositories has also inadvertently fostered a tendency towards surface-level engagement, hindering our inclination for in-depth exploration. Despite the rapid advancements in technology and our ability to instantly find information on a multitude of subjects, we have not witnessed a proportional surge in deep curiosity-driven pursuits. Paradoxically, the unfettered access to information and our constant connectivity appears to have yielded an unexpected consequence, dampening our drive for profound intellectual journeys. We have developed a preference for breadth over depth, placing emphasis on quick and straightforward answers. Even when there is no immediate practical benefit, we seek knowledge and crave a response. In my new book, Purposeful Curiosity: How Asking the Right Questions Will Change Your Life , I refer to this mindset as ‘frivolous curiosity’. My students display a tendency to shift their focus from one topic to another, expressing a desire to explore and learn more. However, their engagement misses out on the patience to delve deeply into a specific subject. Students often lack the knowledge of how to channel their curiosity e ectively for the purpose of discovery and generating ideas. Instead of persistently asking questions and exploring a specific topic, they simply move on to the next one. This pattern of behaviour is not unique to students but is reflective of the broader challenges many of us face. The constant inundation of information through social media, newsletters, text messages, emails and streaming services serves as a distraction. It renders us akin to butterflies, fluttering from one flower to another without pausing long enough to truly immerse ourselves and fully absorb the essence of any one subject. It’s important to note that a certain degree of frivolous curiosity can be advantageous. It allows us to step away from familiar paths and engage in experimentation. Chance discoveries today may prove valuable tomorrow. I don’t oppose this approach entirely, but it should not be the prevailing norm. Indeed, a recent study by Ming Hsu, a neuro-economist from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, found that our brains tend to overestimate the value of information that brings us emotional satisfaction but may not necessarily be useful. Six years ago, I went on a mission to learn how we could become more intentional about the benefits of
I
36 | Ambition | JULY/AUGUST 2023
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online