Scott Shigeoka, author of SEEK, discusses the power of deep curiosity for self-discovery and global change. He explores different types of curiosity, bridging cultural divides, and envisioning a world where curiosity leads to deeper connections and understanding.
Heart-centered curiosity fosters connection and self-transformation through deep understanding.
Curiosity extends beyond questioning to observing, engaging with the world, and reducing anxiety.
Deep dives
Heart-Centered Curiosity for Connection and Transformation
Heart-centered curiosity focuses on using the desire to understand as a force for connection and self-transformation. It emphasizes discovering new things and changing mindsets and behaviors, fostering connections beyond surface interactions. Predatory curiosity, displaying an agenda, contrasts with genuine curiosity that dives beneath the surface to find common humanity.
Scott Shigeoka's Journey of Curiosity Cultivation
Scott Shigeoka, author of 'Seek,' shares how curiosity was fostered through marveling at nature in Hawaii. Influenced by his family, particularly his fierce grandmother, Scott's academic pursuits merged journalism with psychology, delving into complicated human relationships. Scott's transformative road trip after the 2016 elections aimed to bridge societal divides, leading to strategies and resources focused on bridging differences and nurturing connections.
Curiosity's Three Directions: Outward, Inward, and Beyond
Curiosity can manifest in three directions: outward exploration of the world, inward reflection to understand oneself and relationships, and exploration beyond the physical realm. Shallow curiosity involves surface-level inquiries, while deep curiosity delves into the essence of a person, aiming to see their soul. Curiosity extends beyond questioning to observing and engaging with the world, fostering connections and reducing anxiety.
Scott Shigeoka is a fellow at the University of California, Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and a lecturer at the University of Texas, Austin. He is also an international speaker and author whose new book is SEEK: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World. Scott combines social science research and real-world experience into practical strategies to bridge cultural differences, build new relationships, and embark on transformative life experiences.
Scott joins the podcast to explain the difference between deep curiosity and shallow curiosity, how inward curiosity can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, and what the world may look like if we all became a little more curious.
Want to learn more about curiosity? Check out our story “Curiosity Has Two Faces” by Annelise Jolley on Templeton Ideas.
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