In a compelling discussion, curiosity expert Scott Shigeoka shares his insights on how curiosity can heal societal divisions. He shares transformative experiences from his year-long road trip across the U.S., meeting people with opposing views, including Trump supporters. Shigeoka emphasizes the power of questions to foster empathy and understanding, arguing that recognizing our shared humanity can bridge significant divides. He also reflects on how curiosity played a crucial role in his journey through mental health challenges, advocating for compassion and connection.
Curiosity fosters connection by encouraging individuals to understand diverse perspectives rather than clinging to divisive assumptions.
Engaging with our internal voices through curiosity leads to self-acceptance and compassion, ultimately bridging gaps between differing opinions.
Deep dives
The Power of Curiosity
Curiosity serves as a valuable tool for fostering connection and reducing biases within divided communities. It encourages individuals to replace their assumptions about others with an openness to understanding their perspectives. By embracing curiosity, individuals can move past the fear and judgment that often accompany differences in opinions or identities. This approach enables meaningful conversations that can lead to greater empathy and understanding among individuals with contrasting views.
Personal Growth Through Understanding
The speaker recounts a journey of personal growth sparked by dealing with internal voices that were a reflection of past experiences and insecurities. By getting curious about these voices rather than ignoring them, the speaker discovered that they were expressions of a younger self seeking validation and healing. This realization underscores the importance of exploring one’s own fears and anxieties as a pathway toward self-acceptance. Engaging with these inner dialogues can ultimately lead to deeper compassion for oneself and others.
Building Bridges Across Differences
Experiences at significant cultural events, like Trump rallies, illustrate the potential for connection despite political divides. By actively engaging with individuals from differing backgrounds, the speaker found commonalities and shared human experiences that transcended stereotypes. These interactions reinforced the idea that genuine curiosity leads to breaking down barriers, allowing individuals to appreciate and understand one another on a deeper level. The ability to share stories and laugh together transforms previous biases into opportunities for connection and love.
Curiosity is about seeking what unites us rather than clinging to what divides us, says author and curiosity expert Scott Shigeoka. Drawing on his research into fostering connection and healing division, he shares what he learned traveling across the US meeting people with views opposing his own — and shows why recognizing our shared humanity begins with getting curious.