Yara Shahidi, an accomplished actor and producer known for her work in "black-ish" and "grown-ish," dives into the importance of curiosity in our lives. She passionately argues that what often seems like distractions are actually pathways to discovering our true selves. Emphasizing the need to balance societal pressures with diverse interests, Yara inspires listeners to embrace their multifaceted passions. She also shares how curiosity can challenge societal norms and drive transformative change, encouraging all to harness their imagination for a brighter future.
Curiosity is an essential tool for exploring new worlds and discovering our place in them.
Society's tendency to label curiosity as a distraction limits our potential for personal and societal growth.
Deep dives
The Power of Curiosity
Yara Shahidi, an actor and producer, shares her belief in the importance of curiosity. She recalls how her childhood imagination and wonder slowly diminished as she grew older and became focused on practical matters. She argues that in today's world, where imagination is necessary to envision a better future, prioritizing curiosity is essential. Shahidi believes that curiosity allows us to explore new worlds and discover our place in them. She shares personal examples of how following her curiosities, both in her education and entertainment career, has led to meaningful experiences, such as gaining empathy through acting and finding joy in discovering what she doesn't know. Ultimately, Shahidi urges listeners to embrace their curiosities as a way to challenge existing systems, imagine alternate realities, and create new possibilities for themselves and the world.
Honoring Multiple Interests
Yara Shahidi discusses the societal pressure to choose one area of focus and specialize in it. She challenges the notion that having multiple areas of interest is incompatible or a distraction. Shahidi highlights her own experience of juggling college and a television show, blending her passion for education and entertainment. She argues that expertise should not be prioritized at the expense of curiosity and diverse interests. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging that what we do is just a fraction of who we are and encourages listeners to explore their curiosity. Shahidi believes that society's tendency to label curiosity as a distraction limits our potential for personal and societal growth.
Curiosity as a Catalyst for Change
Yara Shahidi asserts that curiosity has the power to bring about change and rupture existing systems. She shares examples of historical figures and everyday individuals who have made significant contributions by following their curiosity. Shahidi argues that curiosity holds the potential for imagination and exploration, allowing us to envision entirely new ways of being. She encourages listeners to embrace their daily curiosities and realize their potential as change-makers. She concludes by emphasizing that a life centered on honoring one's interests is a constant unfolding of purpose, leading to new adventures and infinite possibilities.
Don't second-guess what "distracts" you, says actor-producer Yara Shahidi; that's your curiosity coming through. The star of hit shows like "black-ish" and "grown-ish" tells how she learned to spot clues to her own future — and how you can, too.