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Curiosity

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A curious kitten.

Curiosity is any natural inquisitive behaviour, evident by observation in many animal species, and is the emotional aspect of living beings that engenders exploration, investigation and learning.

In essence, "curiosity" is a term that describes an unknown number of behavioural and psychological mechanisms, which have the effect of impelling beings to seek information and interaction with their environment and with other beings in their vicinity.

Curiosity is common to human beings at all ages; from infancy to old age, and is easy to observe in many other animal species. From apes and cats to fish, reptiles and insects; many aspects of exploration are shared among all beings, as all known terrestrial beings share similar aspects: limited size, and a need to seek out food sources.

Curiosity may also refer to a novel item or phenomenon kept as an attraction to the interest of the public; it is so named because it is intended to engender curiosity in its viewers.

A morbid curiosity is a compulsion, fixed with excitement and fear, to know about macabre topics, such as death and horrible violence (snuff film).

Curiosity can also lead to self-awareness. Eventually, one will question one's own state of being. This also leads to doubt, questioning the existence of other things. Since curiosity eventually leads to conscious thought, this may serve as a cure for autism.

Though humans are sometimes considered curious, there is some doubt, as humans also have the capacity for abstract thinking, which may get in the way of their self-control. Also, curiosity doesn't work well unless certain environmental conditions are met. For any stimuli to be recognized, patterns must be recognized as well, eventually leading to memorizing. Luckily curiosity speeds up that pattern, but humans seem to actually lack this ability in today's world. To them, it's just a checking schedule rather than curiosity. If they were curious by nature, would they ever look at what's wrong with themselves? Apparently, curiosity about one's own state of being must be taught.

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