"Being curious is important to me... It feels to me like everyone has something unrepeatable to bring into the world. And we can manifest it by going in our direction of maximal interestingness. The pattern we make as our curiosity pulls us hither and thither, tail waving, as it chases a smell across a field—that pattern is a gift we give the world. [...]

"There is something frustratingly Tao about curiosity. (1) It is by following your curiosity that you can bring something new and beautiful into the world as a gift to others. But (2) to go there you have to do things that you fear others will think are stupid or embarrassing. That is, you can only find the Tao by not looking for the Tao. By losing yourself in your line."

~ Henrik Karlsson

Word-Slinger-in-Chief /slowcore-hq | Senior Editor | GenX eldergoth | dark ambient music nerd | contemplative animist /blxstonesnctuary 🏳‍🌈

Source:

https://www.henrikkarlsson.xyz/p/funny-curiosity

It's funny how I can find a lot of motivation to learn about the most random shit, just because curios while I often struggle with the stuff I should probably learn because it'll make me a better worker 😂

Anyway, recently came across this video essay that is super relevant to this quest of curiosity and lots of good references. You might enjoy it as well.

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So true, some things I am just not meant to master (like coding - I tried when it was told to us all we should become developers) - it's also I think important to reframe learning and trying to understand as an autotelic exercise. Not a means to an end. 

It's just fun, and sometimes you find people who'll appreciate the insights we gained this way.

The struggle is real! To the extent that it's possible, I've mostly given up on learning things "to make me a better worker." That feels like a path to creative mediocrity at best. It also operates at cross-purposes to certain kinds of intelligence that only seem accessible through pursuits motivated by earnest curiosity and enjoyment.

Added the video to my watch list. Thanks.

It's funny how I can find a lot of motivation to learn about the most random shit, just because curios while I often struggle with the stuff I should probably learn because it'll make me a better worker 😂

Anyway, recently came across this video essay that is super relevant to this quest of curiosity and lots of good references. You might enjoy it as well. 
https://youtu.be/Em66j9Xlsqg?si=gjcDpYPPYeKPO4sw

A creator. Onchain & offchain. Based. 💙

My pleasure indeed! I'm a huge fan of Henrik Karlsson's writing. More quotes on the way. :)

If you like this, I highly recommend digging into his Substack archives.