How to Become a Curiosity Genius Like Da Vinci and Sherlock

Using personal curiosity to create your inner genius

Matthew Murrie

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What Made Leonardo da Vinci a Genius? The Science of Curiosity

What made Leonardo da Vinci a genius? It wasn’t just talent — it was his insatiable curiosity. From studying the flight of birds to dissecting human bodies, da Vinci’s relentless pursuit of knowledge drove him to unlock secrets that most people never even thought to question. So, what exactly happens in our brains when curiosity sparks? And how can we harness this power in our everyday lives?

The Brain on Curiosity: How It Ignites Learning and Creativity 🔥

When your curiosity is triggered, your brain lights up like a firework. Specifically, the ventral striatum, which is part of your brain’s reward system, releases dopamine, making learning feel satisfying. This reward mechanism motivates you to seek out answers and explore the unknown​​.

Here’s the best part: when you’re curious about a topic, your brain not only absorbs that information more effectively, but it also enhances your memory for other incidental information. In short, curiosity supercharges your brain’s ability to learn and retain information​.

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Matthew Murrie
Matthew Murrie

Written by Matthew Murrie

Author of The Book of What If…?, Founder of What If Curiosity, and Creator of Curiosity-Based Thinking and Curiosity-Based Learning, turning ideas into actions.

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