Brian Sullivan

In your own words, what is curiosity?

Curiosity is about having an open mindset towards learning. Questioning, researching, and exploring are characteristics of people who showcase their own curiosity.

What person, animal, or thing models curiosity best?

Leonardo da Vinci is the archetype of a Renaissance man—painter, sculptor, architect, sketcher, scientist, mathematician, civil engineer, inventor, geologist, writer, and more. His famous works of art include moments of grace: the mysterious smile of the Mona Lisa, the icon of human potential known as the Vitruvian Man, and the shocking moment of The Last Supper.

Surprisingly, Leonardo was not as prolific an artist as he was a sketcher. Da Vinci produced more than 13,000 pages of sketches, which are arguably his greatest legacy. Within these sketchbooks, Leonardo thinks both scientifically and creatively. You see sketches of futuristic devices, detailed drawings of human anatomy, postulations on plate tectonics, and observations about diet, cholesterol, and heart disease. You see sketches of flowers, weapons, horses, soldiers, and armor. Some sketches are wireframes for statues and bridges, while others are early renditions of paintings. Leonardo’s sketches were his visual thoughts. His sketches are a testament to Leonardo’s constant curiosity.

What habits or practices do you have that cultivate curiosity?

Invitational stem statements are one of the best design thinking tools to use for cultivating curiosity.

An invitational stem statement consists of the opening words (or phrases) of a question to stimulate deeper thinking around a topic.

Here are some examples of stem statements and when you might use them: