Readers of this blog likely know how I feel about the importance of curiosity. It is what powers my ability to do research and to educate others about what I have learned.
Roger Ebert agrees and takes it one step further:
What I believe is that all clear-minded people should remain two things throughout their lifetimes: curious and teachable
Brilliant.
Sadly, so many of my middle school students have lost their curiosity. I blame it on the Korean education system and Korean society in general. The little ones have their drive, but the older ones seem to see my classes as one more hoop to jump through, no matter how engaging I try to be.
It is so sad when curiosity is lost, because the world is full of enough amazing things for everyone. I presume you have read the Aaron Swartz quote on the post that I linked to above? Perfect.
The Swartz post did resonate with me. Of all the traits I have, I’m intensely curious. I love being a teacher, especial when the school use a subject based approach. But I do wish I had stuck out grad school and stayed in science, albeit social science.