The Superpower of Curiosity | David Suissa | TEDxSan Diego Studio

Key Concepts:

• Curiosity as a superpower
• Brand new stories through questioning
• Curiosity as a form of deep love (making someone feel needed)
• Curiosity as a gateway to adventure and understanding different perspectives

1. The Superpower of Curiosity

• The speaker recounts a personal anecdote about asking her ailing father a math question ("Papa, what's the square root of 121?") and witnessing the joy it brought him.
• This experience highlighted the transformative power of curiosity, which she refers to as a "superpower."
• She contrasts curiosity with other virtues like integrity, compassion, and honesty, emphasizing its unique ability to rescue in low moments and bring joy.

2. Early Influences and the Love of Storytelling

• At age eight, after moving from Casablanca to Montreal, she developed a love for the English language and began reading a columnist in the Montreal Gazette.
• The columnist wrote about everyday, quirky stories in Montreal, which captivated her and inspired her to become a writer.
• Example: Stories about a grandmother or an old golf course.

3. Becoming a Columnist and the Lack of Curiosity in Others

• In August 2006, she started writing a weekly column for a local paper in Los Angeles, fulfilling her childhood dream.
• She found immense joy in writing these stories and felt needed and validated by the positive responses she received.
• However, she observed a lack of curiosity in the people she interviewed, who were more interested in talking about themselves than asking questions.
• This observation led her to make it her "life's mission" to champion curiosity.

4. Three Gifts of Curiosity

• The speaker summarizes 19 years of writing weekly stories into three gifts received from curiosity:
  • Brand New Stories: These are not the stories from media but the ones you create by asking questions of people in your life (family, friends, colleagues).
    • Example: Asking your mother questions to get new stories, asking your uncle questions at Thanksgiving dinner, asking your soulmate questions while walking on the beach.
  • Curiosity as Deepest Love: True love involves making someone feel needed. Asking for their opinion or help is more valuable than material gifts.
    • Example: Asking your spouse for their opinion on a new idea, asking your mother for recipes.
    • Quote: "I'm curious what you think is one of life's greatest love letters."
  • Curiosity as Adventure: Curiosity can lead to engaging with people and ideas you never thought you would, fostering understanding and breaking down barriers.
    • Example: Engaging in conversations with people who have opposing political views, learning about different religions.
    • Example: Instead of judging a synagogue's melodies, asking "Tell me more."

5. Overcoming Division Through Curiosity

• The speaker highlights how curiosity can bridge divides, particularly in politically charged environments.
• Instead of fighting, she advocates for asking questions to understand others' perspectives and backgrounds.
• Example: Her close friendship with a practicing Muslim, despite being a "fervent Jew."

6. Homework and Conclusion

• The speaker assigns homework: ask one question you've never asked before to the next person you interact with, and continue doing so for the rest of your life.
• This practice will transform curiosity into a "superpower."
• Main takeaways: Curiosity can create new stories, foster deep love, and open doors to unexpected adventures.