As we scroll, skim and react, we’ve lost something important: curiosity | Opinion

Growing up in rural Kansas, I was always drawn to small-town values like community, hard work and simplicity. However, in pursuing my doctorate at Duke University — an elite institution known for its tradition, academic excellence and significant diversity — I have been put at a crossroads between two worlds. Not in an adversarial way but simply in terms of cultures.

As a male nurse in a profession mostly dominated by women, I often find myself navigating spaces where I don’t quite fit the mold. Despite this, this in-betweenness has become a quiet strength. I don’t fully belong anywhere, but in a way, I belong everywhere. My story is a patchwork of contrasts, and I’ve learned to embrace the richness of living on the margins through a healthy dose of curiosity.

I’ve noticed recently that our society lacks genuine curiosity, which might be one reason for our growing division in this increasingly polarized world.

In an era of instant gratification and algorithmically curated echo chambers, genuine curiosity is slipping away from us. We scroll, skim and react in social media on our phones without pausing to ask, “Why?” or “What’s it like to be that person?”

“Why” might be the most consequential word with the least application. The consequences of this erosion extend far beyond intellectual. It affects our emotions, social interactions and very humanity.

Curiosity, more than just a thirst for knowledge, serves as a bridge to understanding. When we inquire about someone else’s experiences — growing up in a different neighborhood, speaking a different language or living with a disability — we begin to perceive the world through their eyes. This act of wonder is the foundation of empathy.

However, we often treat curiosity as a luxury rather than a necessity. Our culture values certainty over inquiry and speed over depth. We are encouraged to choose sides rather than ask questions. Furthermore, there is a fear of offense or conflict when asking, “Why?” Without curiosity, we risk becoming disconnected from one another, trapped in our own perspectives and unable to envision lives beyond our own.

Empathy doesn’t emerge from agreement. It grows from exploration. It’s born when we ask questions not to challenge, but to understand. When we listen not to reply, but to learn. Curiosity invites us to sit with complexity, to resist the urge to simplify, stereotype or dismiss. We witness the negative consequences of incuriosity in various aspects of our lives, such as political polarization and cultural misunderstandings. Conversely, we also observe the transformative power of curiosity in classrooms where children eagerly ask “Why?” and in stories that open our hearts to unfamiliar truths.

To cultivate a more compassionate society, we must first nurture a more curious one. This involves teaching our children and reminding ourselves that questions are not indicators of ignorance, but rather signs of engagement. It’s also important to remember that questions are not conflict. It means resisting the allure of certainty and embracing the intricate, captivating process of understanding. Curiosity may not be the sole solution to every problem, but it serves as a promising starting point. It represents the initial step toward empathy — which, in turn, paves the way for healing.

We live in a time when anxiety, depression, and myriad other mental health ailments are prevalent in society. As a nurse, I aspire to facilitate healing in all its forms. A healthy dose of curiosity could significantly contribute to healing many of these societal afflictions and divisions we currently experience.

Matthew Donegan is a certified registered nurse anesthetist with more than 26 years of health care experience. He lives in Paola.