The Anatomy of Curiosity

Ruth Wandhöfer

Chief Curiosity Officer

Unlock the power of lifelong curiosity to boost your mind, happiness, and longevity. Explore the five dimensions of curiosity and discover which type of curious person you are, then challenge yourself to expand your curiosity each day this week.

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The Anatomy of Curiosity

7 mins 53 secs

Key learning objectives:

Understand the five dimensions of curiosity and how they influence behaviour and personal growth
Outline the connection between sustained curiosity and a longer, healthier life
Identify the different types of curious people based on their dominant curiosity traits

Overview:

Curiosity isn’t just for kids, it’s a powerful force that can lead to a longer, more fulfilling life. In this Step, Dr. Ruth Wandhöfer explores how maintaining curiosity as an adult not only stimulates your brain but also extends your lifespan. She dives into the five dimensions of curiosity; joyous exploration, deprivation sensitivity, stress tolerance, social curiosity, and thrill-seeking. She explains how each type influences behaviour and how to harness these traits for personal growth and deeper connections.

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Summary

How does curiosity impact longevity and brain health?

Curiosity has a profound impact on longevity and brain health. A study from 1996 tracked over a thousand ageing individuals and found that those who maintained higher levels of curiosity were more likely to be alive five years later, even when accounting for other risk factors. This is because curiosity stimulates the brain's reward centres, which are regulated by dopamine. Higher levels of dopamine are linked to brain health, while low levels are associated with brain decline. Thus, maintaining a sense of wonder and curiosity can contribute to a longer, healthier life.

What are the five dimensions of curiosity, and how do they shape our behaviour?

Dr. Todd Kashdan identified the five dimensions of curiosity, each shaping behaviour in unique ways. The five dimensions are:

Joyous Exploration: This dimension represents the core of curiosity, where individuals seek knowledge and enjoy learning purely for the joy of it. This type of curiosity drives people to explore new subjects, read books, and immerse themselves in learning
Deprivation Sensitivity: This dimension focuses on problem-solving and closing knowledge gaps. It's driven by a need to resolve puzzles or questions that cause discomfort until they are answered
Stress Tolerance: Here, curiosity involves embracing uncertainty and anxiety as individuals delve into the unknown. This dimension pushes people out of their comfort zones into new and challenging experiences
Social Curiosity: This type of curiosity is about understanding human behaviour. It's the drive to learn about others' thoughts and feelings, often by observing or engaging in conversations
Thrill Seeking: This dimension involves seeking out new, intense, and sometimes risky experiences. It’s the kind of curiosity that might lead someone to try extreme sports or adventurous activities

Each dimension influences how people engage with the world and how they pursue new experiences, shaping both personal growth and interactions with others.

What types of curious people exist based on their dominant curiosity traits?

Researchers have identified four types of curious people, each defined by their dominant curiosity traits:

The Fascinated: These individuals are high on all dimensions of curiosity, particularly joyous exploration. They constantly seek new knowledge and experiences, driven by a profound sense of wonder
Problem Solvers: High in deprivation sensitivity, these people are motivated by the need to solve problems and close knowledge gaps. They enjoy tackling complex issues and finding solution
Emphasisers: With a strong focus on social curiosity, emphasisers are deeply interested in understanding others' thoughts and feelings. They are excellent listeners and enjoy engaging in conversations to learn about different perspectives
Avoiders: Scoring low on all dimensions of curiosity, especially stress tolerance, avoiders tend to shy away from new or challenging experiences, preferring familiar outcomes

The opinions and viewpoints expressed in this video are those of the creator and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations.

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Ruth Wandhöfer

Dr. Ruth Wandhöfer has been revolutionising finance for 19 years, merging finance, technology, and regulation. A leader in digital finance, she shapes the future with innovative strategies and business models. Starting with Citi, Ruth has held influential roles, now serving on the boards of Permanent TSB, Aquis Exchange Group, and others. As a Partner at Gauss Ventures, she drives early-stage FinTech investment. Appointed by HM Treasury as Chair of the Payment Systems Regulator Statutory Panel, she also advises globally on financial systems. Ruth’s accolades include top spots on the ‘Women in Fintech Powerlist’ and recognitions as a leading Fintech Influencer. She has published three books, holds multiple degrees, and earned a PhD on “Technology Innovation in Financial Markets.” A Visiting Professor, her insights appear in FT, Forbes, and more. Balancing her career with raising children, Ruth champions work-life balance and women entrepreneurs, exemplifying leadership with vision and heart.

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