Approach with curiosity
In a world that encourages quick and decisive action, I find myself forgetting an essential element — curiosity. It’s not just a childhood trait I have begun to outgrow — it’s a fundamental approach to life that can transform how I create, connect and grow.
Curiosity has to be practiced. As Jony Ive said in his CCA commencement speech, “Many of us have a natural or innate predisposition to be curious. I have learned that after a traditional education, or working in an environment with many people, it has to be a decision. Requires intent and discipline.”
His experience mirrors mine. I have to remember to be curious. Every time I do, I find better solutions and discover more beauty. By being curious, I see how every object and every person lives within a greater system.
Society and media often focus on the creators like Jony Ive. Though, for something to truly be great, it needs the attention and care of an audience or of users. As Okakura Kakuzō wrote in The Book of Tea, “In leaving something unsaid the beholder is given a chance to complete the idea and thus a great masterpiece irresistibly rivets your attention until you seem to become actually a part of it.” Great art requires that the viewer imbue it with their feelings.
If you follow business or politics lately, it may seem like change is made through the iron will of a few, but in reality one’s actions are just one piece of the puzzle. The best products embody a clear vision while responding to customers. Ivan Zhao states this perfectly, “If you're building a product [or] tool [that] has to be used by others, you need to create a balance. Too much of yourself and there's no users. Then you're just doing an art project. You're just doing a research project, right? And too for much for business and you're building a commodity.”
This balance between personal vision and openness to others applies beyond art and products — it’s essential to human relationships too. In the process of learning to be a better parent, I have found increasing success in mirroring the innate curiosity of my children. Instead of jumping to punishment, I softly question the situation, trying not solve anything, but to instead simply understand. Dr. Becky says, “And when we are basing our mindset in the idea that my kid is good inside, then I can really activate curiosity. Why is my kid hitting his sister, OK? Versus, when I don't operate from that foundation, it's just really easy to put frustration and anger and judgment in the driver's seat.”
Ultimately, curiosity is a radical act of openness. When we approach our work, our art, and our relationships with genuine curiosity, we create space for authentic connection. My hunch is that by approaching every opportunity and challenge with curiosity, I’ll find much more success in life.
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