But why do some people experience more curiosity than others? And if we find ourselves not curious, is there anything we can do to regain that sense of energy, excitement, and drive to find "the answer"?
There are probably many factors which affect curiosity, but I thought of two: one positive and one negative. The positive factor which creates and feeds curiosity is the ability to ask questions. As soon as we stop asking questions, our curiosity dries up. Questions are the lubricant to mental activity. This is also true when we stop listening to the questions of those around us. If we tell ourselves that the answer to so-and-so's question is unimportant and push it to the side, then our curiosity take a hit. This may sound judgmental, but I find that ignorant people regularly do this. I have heard people say, "Well, I've lived my life without knowing that, so I guess it must not be important." This is nothing more than pride; when a person considers himself/herself as the guide for what is and what is not important, then they have taken the place of God.
A negative factor which kills curiosity is fear. Fear keeps us from wanting to find the answer to a question, because we fear that what we may find will challenge our prevailing thinking or behavior. Fear is powerful, and change can be disconcerting and painful. When we learn something that causes our worldview to shift in some way, our world seems fragile and our hooks which provide stability seem relative. We see the rabbit from the duck, and experience a Gestalt shift. Once we realize that the world we thought so stable is actually spinning, then our stomachs become sick and our proverbial anchor is cut loose. We may also fear being inadequate. The desire to feel in control and knowledgeable is a powerful motivator. Fear of that self-image being damaged will kill curiosity.
As believers we have a unique position in regards to curiosity. We have the privilege of understanding curiosity to be a gift from God. We also have the privilege of recognizing that God is the center of all things, therefore there is always room to think God's thoughts after Him, to feel God's emotions like Him, and to obey God's commands like He wants us to. Lastly, we have the privilege of realizing that fear of the truth is ultimately a sin. It reminds me of a scene in C.S. Lewis' The Last Battle of a group of dwarves hiding out in a barn ignoring the reality around them. The scene is too lengthy to describe here, but for those that have read it, hopefully it will resonate.
