I think, first and foremost, curiosity is the trait of the self-directed learner. I think it is innate in some and developed by others. Some never truly become interested in anything outside of their narrow scope of interest. Back in the day of my primary education, rote memorization was part of our regular learning experience. This practice left me with a bad taste in my mouth towards learning. I had no concept and could have cared less about the content of the paragraphs I was required to learn, but I could recite them blindly. When I took the time to try to understand the catechism phrases, it felt like a form of brainwashing and was a part of what forever colored my perceptions of organized religion.
I feel that true love of learning is a process that begins with curiosity. Behind that, determination, the ability to pursue the interest until satisfied or reach to ask questions that result in research and expansion beyond what is known. Determination has been the catalyst for every cure for a disease and vaccination that has changed our world. Without the innovative thinkers, the curious and determined, nothing would change. Without curiosity, there would be no answers because there would be no questions.
Courage to buck the system with questions that open new avenues for thought, research and discoveries is necessary. Having questions that remain silent due to fear of shaking up status quo leads to nowhere. The ability to share questions and ideas builds new solutions for solving problems.
