Curiosity is the mother of all inventions. Because we are curious, we start asking questions and by matching answers to those questions, the world got better. Inventors are the most curious of all subjects. They always have a “Why, When, How, Where, What” in their minds.
If it weren’t for curiosity, we would still be communicating with African drums, Morse Code or smoke signals. Instead, we now use e-mails, Video Conference and the ubiquitous iPhone. If it weren’t for curiosity, we would still be scratching our heads asking, “What is gravity?” Remember the guy who asked why the apple fell over his head while he was fast asleep under an apple tree?
Of all living creatures, I find children the most curious. They learn by asking. Dads and Moms go crazy trying to answer those darting questions. If you have kids or have them around like a school teacher, you know what I mean.
- Dad, do rocks have babies?
- Mom, how do bird fly?
- Dad, if I drink enough milk, will I grow up to be a giant?
- Mom, why are mountains blue?
- Dad, why is water wet?
- Mom, why do waves never sleep?
- More questions…?
The reason why I say this, is that our grandnephew Abdiel is always asking questions. I’m studying to obtain a PHD on everything, just to answer his interminable questions. I’m sure this happens to you too. Am I right?
For example, Abdiel is passionate about birds and baby birds. Every time he comes home for a brief visit, he inspects all our trees on the backyard looking for bird’s nests. He does this with the meticulousness of an auditor or a lab scientist.
Last Sunday, before he left, he went tree by tree looking for nests. He thought he saw a nesting bird, and rushed into the house screaming, “Omar, I found a bird with babies!” He went to the backyard and pointed out at the bird’s tree. Nope, it was just a branch with leaves that looked somewhat like a nest. The curiosity was there, always looking for answers, like a modern Isaac Newton.
This is Abdiel pointing out at the tree with the baby birds:
(Credit for photographic effects: Michael Moore)
Next time your kid comes to you with a tough question, don’t brush him off. Googlize the question and get back to him; you might just be talking to the next Albert Einstein looking for answers. Good Day.
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