Curiosity and Optimism

By Victor Perton

Curiosity and optimism may appear distinct in the realm of personality traits, but they are profoundly interconnected. These two fundamental human attributes, when combined, can catalyse personal growth, innovation, and resilience. 

As Dr Martin Parkinson eloquently stated, "Optimism drives curiosity, which in turn fosters innovation and invention." Echoing this notion, Professor Jane Den Hollander AO added, "My experience is that optimism stimulates curiosity, enables inclusion, and drives a determination to do better than yesterday. Optimism is the harder journey; pessimism provides a way out and a rationale for doing nothing."

Curiosity, the innate desire to explore and understand, triggers the journey towards knowledge and creativity. It pushes us to question, seek, and discover, leading to new insights and breakthroughs.

Optimism, the belief that good things will happen and that things will work out in the end, fuels perseverance and resilience. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end.

My friend Nóirín Mosley says, "Curiosity beautifully epitomises optimism. You don't seek out or invite in the new without a true belief that good things may come from what you seek."

The interplay between curiosity and optimism is indeed a positive feedback loop. Jeff Naylor, CEO of SIRF Roundtables, told me that optimists tend to have "naturally curious minds," open to learning, embracing new perspectives, and welcoming novel ideas. 

As curiosity uncovers new possibilities, it can fuel optimism about future opportunities. Conversely, an optimistic outlook promotes curiosity, offering a positive approach to uncertainty and novelty.

This dynamic is backed by research. ANU's William Whitecross's study shows that those with high curiosity scores tend to be more optimistic, comfortable with uncertainty, and inclined to focus on positive outcomes. Curiosity fuels an optimistic mindset, enabling individuals to spot opportunities where others see obstacles.

The correlation between optimism and curiosity in driving innovation is clear. Garry Miller, an expert in Design Delivery and Project Management, argues that innovation calls for "a curious mind and an intent to do good," suggesting that optimism and curiosity can collectively catalyse progress.

Moreover, these traits foster connections with others and embrace diverse perspectives. Lucia Cade, Chair of South East Water, believes that keeping an open mind and showing genuine curiosity about others' ideas can lead to "great solutions that are better than the sum of the parts." 

This highlights how optimism and curiosity enhance collaboration, yielding more innovative solutions.

Importantly, optimism and curiosity significantly impact personal well-being. Meditation can amplify optimism and, consequently, curiosity. It fosters a brighter, more positive outlook and bolsters creativity and reflectiveness, enhancing our capacity for curiosity.

Bernard Beckett insightfully observes that the human spirit, underpinned by curiosity and optimism, empowers us to face future uncertainties. He asserts, "Human spirit is the ability to face the uncertainty of the future with curiosity and optimism. It is the belief that problems can be solved; differences resolved. It is a type of confidence. And it is fragile. It can be blackened by fear and superstition."

Echoing Beckett's sentiment, Abdelouahed Rhazaf professes his faith in constant change, attributing his optimism to curiosity about the unseen and the yet-to-come. Rhazaf asserts, "What makes me optimistic? Curiosity about what has not been seen yet and faith that things change permanently. I love to see the results of old positive thoughts." Both Beckett and Rhazaf underline the role of curiosity and optimism as drivers of resilience and catalysts for change amidst challenging circumstances.

Robert Masters, Chair of The Centre for Optimism, builds upon these notions, emphasising the pivotal role of optimism and curiosity in effecting change. He suggests, "Optimism and curiosity are necessary bedfellows for bringing about change. Corporate and political leaders should take note. Optimism promotes the desired solutions, while curiosity creates the foundations for solutions. Leaders should always seek out solutions to any issues by being curious about what they are confronting and, at the same time, providing a pathway to the outcome."

Ultimately, individuals, teams, and communities can enhance their capacity to innovate, adapt, and thrive in an ever-changing world by harnessing the combined power of curiosity and optimism. In the face of uncertainty and challenges, curiosity and optimism can illuminate the path forward, leading us towards solutions and brighter futures. They are essential guides in our shared human journey, propelling us towards a better tomorrow.

Reflecting on this interplay, Deidre Willmott agrees with Nóirín Mosley, who succinctly: "Curiosity beautifully epitomises optimism. You don't seek out or invite in the new without a true belief that good things may come from what you seek."

Margot Foster further underscores this connection, stating, "Curiosity bespeaks a positivity in the outcome of the inquiry." She reiterates, "Curiosity bespeaks a positivity in the outcome of the inquiry."

From Madam Wheels, Jacquie Hayes paints a vivid picture of this relationship between curiosity and optimism, saying, "Curiosity really is the spice of life, inviting constant inquiry and endless learning. It keeps hope alive, buoying optimism."

In the end, fostering curiosity and optimism in ourselves and our communities is not just a path towards innovation and resilience; it's a journey towards hope, unity, and shared success. As we navigate the complexities and challenges of our times, let us not forget the power of curiosity and optimism, for they can guide us to seek, create, and believe in a brighter future.

Dr Martin Parkinson, former head of the Australian Prime Minister's Department

"Optimism drives curiosity, which in turn fosters innovation and invention."

Nóirín Mosley, Educate to Elevate

"Curiosity beautifully epitomises optimism. You don’t seek out or invite in the new without a true belief that good things may come from what you seek."

Robert Masters, Chair of The Centre for Optimism

“Optimism and curiosity are necessary bedfellows for bringing about change. Corporate and political leaders should take note. Optimism promotes the desired solutions, while curiosity creates the foundations for solutions. Leaders should always seek out solutions to any issues by being curious about what they are confronting and, at the same time, providing a pathway to the outcome."

Jeff Naylor, CEO of SIRF Roundtables.

 "Optimism is a positive state of mind - a lifestyle shall we say. I believe optimists have naturally curious minds which are open to learning from their surroundings, others and always willing to see a new perspective and take on new ideas and concepts. When we mix all of these things together in a melting pot, it is the lubricant needed for new ideas to either meet a personal goal or market need to fill a void.”

William Whitecross, in conversation with Mark Travers, PhD, about his research study "Open or opposed to unknowns: How do curious people think and feel about uncertainty?"

"We found that people who score highly on interest tend to hold more positive attitudes towards uncertainty, meaning they tend to be more optimistic, happy, and comfortable with the unknown....curiosity is, at the same time, a love of the unknown (liking mysteries and questions) but also an intolerance of the unknown... We found that people high on interest-type curiosity also tend to think more optimistically in uncertain situations. That is, they usually focus more on positive possibilities rather than negative ones. For instance, when they encounter an opportunity to learn, they tend to think, "I could discover something amazing!" rather than "I might discover something bad."

Bernard Beckett

 “Human spirit is the ability to face the uncertainty of the future with curiosity and optimism. It is the belief that problems can be solved; differences resolved. It is a type of confidence. And it is fragile. It can be blackened by fear and superstition.”

Abdelouahed Rhazaf

“What makes me optimistic? Curiosity about what has not been seen yet and faith that things change permanently.  I love to see the results of old positive thoughts."

Lucia Cade, Chair of South East Water

"I think optimism is an essential ingredient to being an action and solution-oriented decision maker. I find that the more I listen to others with an open mind and a genuine curiosity about their point of view and ideas, the more great solutions emerge that are better than the sum of the parts. And the broader I cast that net, the more interesting the ideas and the better the solutions."

Chris Botha, Economic Development

"Optimistic leadership starts with a choice, a choice everyone is given every time they walk into their office, workplace, home, sports ground, cultural venue or public space. That choice is to always engage with your fellow humans with a real curiosity and interest."

Barrie Thomson, feasts and fables

 "What makes me optimistic? The spirit, curiosity and activism of young people make me optimistic."

Catherine Misson

 “If you look through the eyes of children you see limitless possibilities that tantalise the curious spirit with which they came into the world. How do we preserve that innate capacity? Optimism: enthusing our youth with an empowered view to the horizon no matter the challenges right in front of them. This is the source of our greatest potential as a society - optimistic citizens who believe they can and will craft a future worth inheriting.”

Garry Miller, Expert in Design Delivery and Project Management

"Innovation is for everyone, little is needed nor necessary to be innovative. What is needed is a curious mind and an intent to do good. Today is the best day to start, or to take the next step. And remember innovation is a group activity too so don’t be alone, find others that believe in the same importance and get going with bags filled with optimism and hope."

Victor Perton

"Optimism is the foundation upon which innovation is built. It drives curiosity, fosters experimentation, and inspires resilience."

Kay Clancy

 "Curiosity is about possibilities. Optimism is about possibilities. Blending the two is a perfect mix for innovation.”

Amanda Noz

"Curiosity is not just important for innovation in the professional environment; it is also key to leading an interesting life. Being curious about people, places, and ideas opens up all sorts of possibilities. Pairing it with optimism gives you the courage to follow your curiosity because of your innate optimism that doing so will work out well. If this is your outlook, why not meet new people, travel to discover a foreign location, or test out a new business or career path? A curious attitude makes you more engaging because you are genuinely interested in differences. Why do people behave or think the way they do? Why is a business or process done a certain way? What would make it better? Asking Why, What and How with openness, curiosity and optimism leads to better outcomes."

Victor Perton

Meditation enhances your optimism: Meditations on optimism can strengthen your optimism even more. The scientific evidence is that meditation practice results in long-lasting positive psychological effects.   One study found that people who meditated 20 minutes a day for eight weeks showed significant increases in optimism and positivity and decreases in anxiety and depression. The research using brain scanning and other measures shows meditation alters the brain's structure, fostering a brighter, more optimistic outlook and increased empathy.   Over time, meditation thickens the bilateral, prefrontal right-insular region of the brain, the area responsible for optimism and a sense of well-being, spaciousness, and possibility. This area is also associated with creativity, an increased sense of curiosity, and the ability to be reflective and observe how your mind works."

Amanda M. Ferris, Host of The Goal Next Door Podcast

"When I consider the word 'optimism' against the backdrop of everything we're dealing with in the world right now, I remember the many other challenging times in life I've been through. Sometimes circumstances got better, while other times I got better. We all can draw from that well of personal experience- even in times of uncertainty- and know, despite what happens, there is always within us unexplored potential waiting to meet our curiosity."

Diane Hamilton, Creator of the Curiosity Code Index

“Optimism and curiosity are critical for innovative workplaces. That desire to learn and explore provides a rush of creativity. Optimism clears the way for empathy and understanding. Optimism leads to tenacity to see a project through completion and helps us overcome the fear of failure.”

Mary Retta on Octavia E. Butler

“Her stories feel imbued with optimism: Her characters are curious, resilient, and community-oriented, always fighting for a brighter world no matter how dark the one they live in becomes.”

Jacquie Hayes, Madam Wheels

"Curiosity really is the spice of life, inviting constant inquiry and endless learning. It keeps hope alive, buoying optimism."