Let’s Talk About Curiosity
Core concept
Curiosity isn’t just an impulse: it’s a survival strategy. And it’s not unique to humans, nor is it something we invented. From crows solving puzzles to octopuses handling objects with dexterity, nature is full of creatures that explore, investigate and act on wonder.
From an evolutionary standpoint, curiosity boosts survival. Those who dared to look beyond the nest often thrived. In humans, that instinct diversified: into language, into art, into science and philosophy.
But curiosity isn’t a single, monolithic drive. Like creativity, it’s plural. Let’s explore the most recognized types of curiosity found in research, each with its own shape, example, and link to the creative act.
Typologies
🔹 Epistemic curiosity
Definition: A deep desire to understand how the world works; the pleasure of knowing.
Example: Reading about chaos theory for fun.
Connection to creativity: Fuels divergent thinking and conceptual leaps.
🔹 Deprivation curiosity
Definition: Arises from the discomfort of not knowing something specific. It’s a driven, problem-solving curiosity.
Example: Not sleeping until you remember the name of that actor.
Connection to creativity: Supports convergent thinking and precise problem resolution.
🔹 Perceptual curiosity
Definition: Drive to explore novel, strange, or sensory stimuli.
Example: Moving closer to a sculpture just because its texture intrigues you.
Connection to creativity: Sharpens aesthetic sensitivity and sensory exploration.
🔹 Diversive curiosity
Definition: Seeks novelty to escape boredom, often without a fixed goal.
Example: Falling into a Wikipedia rabbit hole.
Connection to creativity: Encourages free association and unconventional combinations.
🔹 Specific curiosity
Definition: Focused interest in solving a particular question or issue.
Example: Wanting to know exactly how an antique lock works.
Connection to creativity: Crucial for idea refinement and functional solutions.
🔹 Social curiosity
Definition: Interest in people — their thoughts, feelings, and inner lives.
Example: Getting hooked on in-depth interviews or biographies.
Connection to creativity: Essential for narrative design and character creation.
🔹 Morbid curiosity
Definition: Attraction to disturbing, eerie, or unsettling content.
Example: Binge-watching true crime documentaries.
Connection to creativity: Inspires genres like horror, thrillers, and transgressive art.
🔹 Creative curiosity
Definition: The urge to experiment with new ideas, formats or artistic languages.
Example: Trying out a strange art technique just to see what happens.
Connection to creativity: Creativity’s twin. Sparks experimentation and innovation.
🔹 Transformational curiosity
Definition: Seeks knowledge in order to change something — systems, structures or paradigms.
Example: Investigating a social issue to design a powerful solution.
Connection to creativity: Drives paradigm shifts and disruptive innovation.
Curiosity can be quiet or urgent. Playful or problem-focused. A gentle wondering or a burning itch.
So… which kinds of curiosity are yours?