Today’s question comes from Albert Einstein, one of the geniuses of the 20th century (see the May 2017 National Geographic magazine cover story and 10-part TV series “Genius”). Einstein obviously had a brilliant intellect, but he often credits his achievements to his innate curiosity and ability to stick with asking questions. In fact, he had a lot to say about curiosity. Today instead of one quote to ponder, I have several. Enjoy!
The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.
It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education.
I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.
If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.
It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.
Never lose a holy curiosity.
If I had an hour to solve a problem I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.
Your 60-Second Question: Do you have enough curiosity in your life?
- What do you wish you were more curious about? What is one small step you could take to move in this direction?
- Who is someone you admire for their curiosity?
- How is your current level of curiosity adding value to your life?
For more on curiosity, see my personal story I Need the Curiosity of a 7-Month-Old (Do You?) from earlier this week.
In a society that often settles for easy answers, my 60-second Question posts are mini-voyages in self-discovery. They invite you to take just 60 seconds out of your day to ponder a question that may offer new insights into yourself, God and the world around us. You might be surprised with the new insights or feelings generated by pondering a thought-provoking question for just 60 seconds.
I am curious: What did Einstein mean by “Never lose a holy curiosity”?
Linda and I have been viewing “Genius,” and I have been most intrigued by how that series emphasizes Einstein’s reliance on imagination to break free of scientific orthodoxy and constraints (e.g, Newton’s ordered universe) in a way that allows him to experience a much more awesome and mysterious universe.
For several years now I have begun my day by listening to five Psalms, in order that I can meditate on the entire book of Psalms each month. This morning my meditation included Psalm 19: “The heavens declare the glory of God, the sky proclaims His handiwork. Day to day makes utterance, night to night speaks out.”
I believe this declaration of God’s glory was only amplified by Einstein’s scientific discoveries. I am in awe of the God they reveal.