curiosity

behavior

Also known as: curiosity drive

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Curiosity is a strong desire to learn about things, sometimes to an extent that it might be considered nosy. It's a natural trait, especially in children, who often exhibit curiosity about the world around them. This drive to inquire can lead to a deep interest and wonderment about various subjects.12

Curiosity can also refer to something unusual or strange that captures attention, or a small object collected for its unique appeal. Additionally, it can describe an odd or peculiar habit or mannerism. The opposite of curiosity is incuriosity or indifference.21

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creativity
Individual qualities of creative persons
A third crucial characteristic combines curiosity and problem seeking. Creative individuals seem to have a need to seek novelty and an ability to pose unique questions. In Defying the Crowd (1995), for example, the American psychologists Robert Sternberg and Todd Lubart likened the combined traits of autonomy and problem solving…
Read More
A third crucial characteristic combines curiosity and problem seeking. Creative individuals seem to have a need to seek novelty and an ability to pose unique questions. In Defying the Crowd (1995), for example, the American psychologists Robert Sternberg and Todd Lubart likened the combined traits of autonomy and problem solving…
Read More