Curiosity (the need to know) is the brain’s most potent agent in the service of human survival. Curiosity has received a bad reputation that is revealed in the medieval saying “Curiosity killed the cat…” the implication being that we shouldn’t go nosing around in other peoples’ affairs. That may be true, but it’s also known that the actual translation of the phrase was originally that “care” killed the cat. That means that our concern for others can be overbearing. That might also be true, but when we add the (now omitted) rest of the saying
“….but satisfaction brought him back”, it restores curiosity to its rightfully vital status.
Oil on canvas, 48" x 48" (private collection)
Oil on canvas, 48" x 48" (private collection)