Curiosity
“I seek out situations where I gain new experiences without getting in my own or other people’s way.”
Become Aware Of Your Strength
What is Curiosity?
To be curious is to explore and discover, to take an interest in ongoing experience for its own sake. Curiosity is often described as novelty-seeking and being open to experience, and it’s associated with the natural desire to build knowledge. It is fulfilling to journey toward an answer, to engage in a new experience, or to learn a new fact. To go to a new restaurant, visit a new city, meet a new person in your class, or to conduct an online search for a question can each fulfill your quest for new experiences and new information.
There are two key components to curious individuals: They are interested in exploring new ideas, activities and experiences, and they also have a strong desire to increase their own personal knowledge.
What does it mean if curiosity is one of my top strengths?
If curiosity is one of your top strengths in your Character Strengths Profile, you likely have a deep drive to learn, explore, and understand. You enjoy asking questions, trying new things, and diving into unfamiliar topics. This strength often shows up as a desire to seek out new experiences and a genuine interest in the world around you.
How to lean into your curiosity
1. Consider careers that encourage exploration and learning.
Curious individuals often thrive in roles that involve discovery, creativity, or ongoing education. You might enjoy working in:
Journalism or content creation
Science or research
Education or training
Counseling or coaching
Innovation or product development
Technology or data analysis
Travel, tourism, or cultural exchange
Entrepreneurship or startups
2. Look for hobbies that feed your curiosity.
Pursuits like traveling, reading, cooking, visiting museums, learning a new language, or exploring nature can help you stay engaged and fulfilled. You might also enjoy puzzles, games, or anything that challenges your thinking.
3. Make curiosity part of your daily routine.
Try reading something new each day, listening to podcasts outside your usual interests, or asking thoughtful questions during conversations. Let yourself follow ideas that spark your attention, even if they lead you in an unexpected direction.
4. Use curiosity to build stronger relationships.
People with high curiosity often make great listeners. If you approach conversations with a desire to learn more about others, you can create deeper, more meaningful connections. Instead of assuming, ask. Instead of judging, explore.
5. Apply curiosity when facing problems or challenges.
Rather than getting stuck, you tend to ask, “What else is possible?” or “What haven’t I tried yet?” This mindset helps you stay flexible, open to solutions, and less afraid of the unknown.
Curiosity is a strength within the virtue category of wisdom, one of five virtues that subcategorize the 24 character strengths. Wisdom describes strengths that help you gather and use knowledge. The other strengths in Wisdom are creativity, curiosity, judgment, love of learning, and perspective.
Explore and Apply Your Strength
Where does curiosity appear in your character strengths profile?
Research findings on the benefits of curiosity found that curiosity is one of the 5 strengths most reliably linked to satisfaction with life. Curiosity is also associated with happiness, health, longevity, and positive social relationships. Learn how to activate this strength and all of your other strengths with your personalized Total 24 Report.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Curiosity
- What is curiosity as a character strength?
Curiosity means being open to new experiences and having a strong desire to explore, discover, and learn. It involves asking questions, seeking out new ideas, and staying engaged in the present moment.
- How does curiosity fit into the Character Strengths Profile?
Curiosity is one of the 24 character strengths included in your personalized Character Strengths Profile. When you take the VIA Survey, you’ll see how curiosity ranks among your other strengths and how it can support your overall well-being.
- Can curiosity be developed if it is not one of my top strengths?
Yes. All character strengths, including curiosity, can be developed with practice. You can strengthen curiosity by intentionally trying new things, asking more questions, and staying open to unfamiliar experiences.
- What virtue is curiosity a part of?
Curiosity belongs to the virtue category of Wisdom. This virtue includes strengths that help you acquire and use knowledge effectively. Other strengths in this category are creativity, judgment, love of learning, and perspective.
- How does curiosity contribute to well-being?
Studies show that curiosity is strongly linked to greater life satisfaction, better relationships, improved health, and a longer life. It helps you stay engaged, mentally active, and open to positive experiences.
- How do I find out where curiosity ranks in my strengths?
Take the free VIA Survey to receive your Character Strengths Profile. This personalized report shows how all 24 strengths, including curiosity, show up in your life and offers insights on how to use them more effectively. If you're looking for specific insights about your signature strengths, check out other character reports.