How curiosity rewires your brain for change
Briefly

The author reflects on retraining as a neuroscientist and how they embraced curiosity to navigate uncertainty. Curiosity is often seen as a mere personality trait, but neuroscience reveals its importance in enhancing learning, memory formation, and neuroplasticity. This transformation occurs especially during times of change, where curiosity allows individuals to manage uncertainty effectively by fostering adaptability and resilience. The author emphasizes that curiosity not only helps in retaining information better but also makes the brain more adept at forming new connections, thereby promoting mental flexibility when facing unpredictable situations.
Curiosity enhances hippocampal activity, boosts our capacity to form and retain new memories; it also promotes neuroplasticity, helping us adapt to change.
When we're curious, the brain's dopaminergic system kicks into gear, making us feel good about the prospect of discovering something new.
Read at Big Think
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