The Curious Life: JB's Monday Momentum #27
How curiosity leads us to deeper understanding and personal transformation.
Estimated reading time: five minutes
Welcome to Monday Momentum, the weekly newsletter where I discuss practical wisdom, uncovering insights to enhance our lives one thoughtful moment at a time. While I have confidence in the ideas I write about, I am still learning them. I acknowledge that what works for me may not work for everyone. Take each idea as you see fit and let me know what you think!
Hello friend,
Two years ago, I wasn’t much of a reader1. But once I started, everything changed. With every book I pick up, I feel my understanding of the world grow and my curiosity deepen. Reading has become a way of expanding my knowledge, challenging my perspective, and connecting with ideas I might never have encountered otherwise.
You see, reading mirrors the power of curiosity itself. The more questions I ask, the more I want to know. And the more I know, the more connected I feel—not just to the world around me, but to myself. Some of my most fulfilling experiences have been fueled by the simple act of wondering: picking up a book I’d never heard of, asking a tough question in a conversation, or even traveling to a new place without knowing what to expect. Each moment of curiosity has led to learning, connection, and growth I couldn’t have anticipated.
If you missed the last edition—“Navigating Uncertainty”—you can click here to check it out.
A Question I am Contemplating:
How can curiosity shape who we are and the world we live in?
Curiosity begins with questions. Questions are the foundation of understanding. When we’re curious, we seek out new information and perspectives, broadening our understanding and challenging our assumptions. Albert Einstein said, "I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." This unrelenting drive to ask "why" or "how" is what fuels not only personal learning but also the collective progress of humanity.
But curiosity also requires intellectual humility—the ability to admit what we don’t know. This vulnerability is also where growth happens. When we step outside our comfort zone to explore the unknown, we build resilience and adaptability. Life’s greatest opportunities often arise when we lean into uncertainty with an open mind and a willingness to explore. It opens the door to lifelong learning, reminding us that wisdom isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to search for them. And as we ask questions and seek answers, curiosity fosters creativity, helping us see connections and possibilities that might otherwise remain hidden.
Curiosity doesn’t only point outward; it also turns inward. Asking ourselves questions—about our emotions, motivations, or dreams—is how we begin to uncover layers of self-awareness. What drives me? Why do I feel this way? What excites me? These questions are not easy, and the answers often aren’t immediate, but they are the ones that propel us toward growth and purpose. Without curiosity, we risk moving through life on autopilot, never pausing to explore the "why" behind our actions or desires.
Curiosity is often the catalyst for discovering our passions and shaping our identities. It’s in trying a new hobby, reading about an unfamiliar subject, or traveling to a place we’ve never been that we find what excites us. Each act of curiosity offers a chance to learn about ourselves—to uncover hidden interests, redefine what we thought was possible, and stretch the boundaries of who we are.
Even when curiosity leads us to challenges, the act of pursuing it builds resilience and adaptability. For example, delving into a topic that feels overwhelming teaches us to break it down, to ask better questions, and to persist despite discomfort. In doing so, we develop confidence in our ability to grow and navigate the unknown. This, in turn, strengthens our sense of purpose and equips us to face life's uncertainties with an open mind. Ultimately, curiosity is a way of investing in ourselves and is one of the most impactful tools for personal development.
One of the most beautiful aspects of curiosity is how it connects us to others. When we’re curious about someone’s story, we listen and empathize more. Genuine curiosity about other people builds bridges (between cultures, perspectives, and experiences) and transforms surface-level interactions into meaningful relationships.
Curiosity also expands our understanding of the world. Learning about other cultures, histories, or ways of life creates a sense of shared humanity. It reminds us that while our experiences may be unique, they are part of a much larger story. We become more engaged citizens, thoughtful neighbors, and compassionate friends through curiosity.
Curiosity is the thread that ties together wisdom, self-discovery, and connection. It pushes us to learn, grow, and engage with the world—and ourselves—more deeply. As we cultivate curiosity, we find that it enriches every aspect of our lives, from our personal growth to our relationships to our understanding of our role in the world.
This week, I encourage you to ask one more question, read one more page, explore one more idea, or dive into one new experience. You never know where your curiosity might take you, or what you might discover along the way.
Quote on curiosity:
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” — Walt Disney
Goal for the Week:
Prepare myself for the end of the semester
There are just two weeks left in my first semester of college, and it’s been pretty successful so far. To wrap things up on a high note, I want to spend this week getting ready for finals and making sure exam week goes smoothly.
Hillbilly Elegy — J.D. Vance (73% done)
What I’m listening to (one podcast, one artist, one song):
Creed
“Maybe Tomorrow” — Stereophonics
Thanks for reading! Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated for the next edition and feel free to leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Take care,
James
Before you say, “I hate reading,” or “I can’t read for more than thirty minutes,” let me be the first to tell you: you’re mistaken. One of my greatest passions is the belief that everyone is a reader; they just haven’t discovered it yet. As Naval Ravikant puts it, “Read what you love until you love to read.” There’s a book out there for you; all you have to do is let your curiosity guide you to it.
Love the footnote—it was true for me too.