Ode to curiosity

Curiosity is a virtue. Perhaps not an officially registered one. And yet it is another one of these hidden virtues that need a little realignment in our lives (like generosity).

Of course as with all virtues, excessive amounts are not very productive and lead to the opposite of what they aim at. But in this age where information overflow has become normal, we are all tempted to filter out what confirms our opinion and to avoid anything that may change it. Curiosity may be the best virtue in this information era and the best katalyser for open mindedness. Moreover, the abundance of information has made the access to meaningful information (knowledge) just as cumbersome as in the old times when we always experienced a lack of information.

In school education, during centuries, politeness, diligence and commitment have been the main values. The last four decades, critical mindedness has become a new key value. The next key value in 21st century education will be curiosity. The most talented youngsters are often the most curious ones. Teachers will need to foster curiosity in an age where information comes by itself, without effort.

Education will no longer be successful through the quantity of knowledge transferred, but rather through the learning motivation transferred. How do you transfer learning motivation? By showing the beauty of things. The best teachers will be the teachers who are able to show the beauty of things, and this in any science. In order to show something, you first need to see it yourself. And perhaps 'beauty' needs a little rehabilitation as well.