Why Are Humans Curious About Life?

Why are humans so endlessly curious about life? The more complex the brain, it often seems, the more curiosity it spawns. This innate drive to explore and understand the world around us has been the cornerstone of human evolution and progress.

Curiosity and Invention

Consider the TV series “Monkey World.” The chimpanzees, much like early humans, faced new challenges with new ways to feed themselves. At first, they were skeptical but their natural curiosity led them to approach and eventually taste the unfamiliar item. Human beings follow a similar pattern—they are often the first to step into the unknown, and the rest follow suit.

Feliks Baki?, a professor at the University of Florida, argues that human curiosity drives invention and discovery. Our well-developed cortex and capacity for rational thought have enabled us to create tools that enhance our lives in unimaginable ways. The pleasure derived from exploration and the thrill of terrain uncharted is a powerful force, propelling us to continue venturing into the unknown.

Psychological Roots of Curiosity

Human curiosity is not just a biological trait but is deeply rooted in our psychology. Let's take a step back and consider what the ego is. The ego, a construct of the mind, doesn't like it when we are wrong. However, it is not something we can control, except by actively working on it.

IBM's Watson, the supercomputer that won Jeopardy, operates according to a system of prediction. Similarly, humans are often seen as making predictions based on empirical data and gut instinct. This is reflected in the concept of the Hedonic Treadmill, which posits that despite positive or negative life events, humans tend to return to a relatively stable level of happiness.

Curiosity as a Survival Mechanism

To understand the depths of human curiosity, consider a scenario from prehistoric times. A caveman is constantly on the lookout for predators. He needs to make split-second decisions, such as whether a looming figure behind a tree is a harmless animal or a saber-toothed tiger. Based on empirical data, he makes assumptions, and when those assumptions are correct, his brain releases rewarding chemicals: oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine. This reinforces his curiosity, leading to further exploration.

In the cave, the caveman picks up a stone and tosses it, hoping to see which side it lands on. With each toss, the more gratification he experiences when it lands on the right side. This may seem like a game, but it's actually a way to reinforce his decision-making skills and predictive abilities. Over time, however, the novelty wears off, and the gratification diminishes.

Risk and Reward in Human Curiosity

Consider another scenario: a caveman meeting a new cavewoman for the first time. He is filled with fear and uncertainty but also with a thrilling sense of potential. This fear and thrill are powered by the same adrenaline and anticipation that drive human curiosity. At the heart of this is the hedonic treadmill—momentary highs and lows leading back to a stable level of happiness.

Now imagine a modern-day situation: skydiving. The thrill of jumping from an airplane is a form of controlled, calculated risk-taking, much like the ancient caveman tossing that stone. It's a gamble, and the rush of adrenaline is the payoff. On the other hand, a 9-to-5 office job can feel like a monotonous treadmill, reinforcing the idea that the first thrill of exploration is far more exhilarating.

The Paradox of Knowing the Future

Finally, consider the ancient Greek story of Zeus and Pandora. The version I remember involves a gift of future sight. Understanding the future takes away the motivation to live, as people no longer have the thrill of the unknown. The story serves as a reminder that the thrill of discovery and the anticipation of new experiences are what fuel human curiosity.

Thus, human curiosity is not just a superficial trait but a deep-seated drive that propels us forward. From prehistoric times to the present, the quest for knowledge and the thrill of the unknown continue to shape our existence. Whether it's exploring the vastness of the universe or breaking new ground in technology, our curiosity remains the foundational force that drives human progress.