If there is any one thing that will keep you young — spiritually, physically, and mentally — I would argue that it is not exercise and the strict monitoring of your body. It is curiosity: an inquisitiveness and wonder about the world all around you.
This is the great puzzle, isn’t it? Countless people seem to exist in 19th-century drudgery — going from home to work and back again. Many years ago, I had the opportunity to observe people living in Sacramento and commuting to work in the greater San Francisco area — a trip of some three to four hours return. On the I-80 early in the morning, you could observe the intimate details of a person’s life — shaving, the putting on of make-up, or the brushing of one’s hair.
I asked myself, “Could this be me, virtually living in my car so that I could afford to purchase a house for my family?” I think at a particular time in one’s life, everyone would answer in the affirmative. Most people, especially when it comes to children, are hard-working and industrious. We will do what is necessary to protect the family and help it grow.
Nonetheless, we cannot lose the person who existed before the strains and stresses of life. We must have hope and look to the future. Curiosity is a trait that will broaden our worldview and give us a way forward. The most successful people, not only financially, are those who have a stunning amazement for the magnificence of life. Sir Richard Branson, taking us to space, (1) is a good example.
It is to be noted, however, that though we may have natural curiosity as children, this soon dissipates as adults on our daily routine to survive economically. What is one to do? Sadhguru (2) tells us that we must simply make a point of looking at the environment around us — the birds, the bees, and the bugs — the activity of life itself.
Once one is truly observant, two revelations occur: Firstly you can seen the natural kingdom in all its early display — the intricacies of life are awe-inspiring. There are some 400,00 species of beetles, for example. (3) The second acknowledgment that is called to mind is that you and your ego are not very important in the flow of life. This intrinsic humility places you properly in the Hierarchy of Being, (4) if you will. Whether one is a proponent of that theory or not, it is still reflective, to say the least. So, to stay young, stay inquisitive about society and about life — and contribute to society as best you can. It will add years to your earthly existence.
The great intellectual and philosopher, Isaiah Berlin (5) leaves us with a thought: Only barbarians are not curious about where they come from, how they came to be where they are, where they appear to be going, whether they wish to go there, and if so, why, and if not, why not.
A closing thought: One day, quickly walking to a class, I chanced to glance down at the ground. There was a line of ants frenetically pursuing some unknown mission directly in front of me. Not one tiny creature looked up and said, “Hello, how are you today?” It was one of the most humbling moments of my life. I wasn’t that important to their journey — shocking!
To sum up: This week, we spoke about staying curious as long as you live. To paraphrase Steve Jobs: “Stay hungry, stay foolish,” and I would add, stay curious.
To be noted: From Neil deGrasse Tyson (6) — No one is dumb who is curious. The people who don’t ask questions remain clueless throughout their lives.
Just for fun:
For reflection:
This week, on your sprightly walk, please curiously ponder what life means to you.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: Live in shock that you, you, are alive!
Footnotes:
1) First Virgin Galactic civilian spaceflight reaches space
2) Inner Management – Sadhguru
3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beetle
6) Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s Fascinating Interview With Piers Morgan