Curiosity might just be the most underrated skill you possess. While it’s often overshadowed by technical know-how or formal education, curiosity plays a crucial role in boosting learning, driving innovation, and enhancing mental wellbeing. In today’s rapidly evolving world, understanding why curiosity is so underrated could be the edge you didn’t know you needed.
1. Curiosity Supercharges Learning
Research reveals that curiosity acts as a motivational force driving us to learn and retain information. According to Kang et al., curiosity enhances memory and understanding by triggering dopamine release in brain areas linked to reward and learning—and learners excel most when they know some info but still feel uncertain— the so-called “information gap”.
Further, Scientific American explains curiosity’s role in building mental models through exploration—leading to better retention and application of new knowledge.
2. Innovation Thrives on This Underrated Trait
Curious people thrive in the face of novelty. Forbes highlights curiosity’s rising importance in business, noting it keeps individuals in tune with trends and open to new ideas.
The SAS “Curiosity@Work” report confirms over 80% of managers to value curiosity for driving innovation, adaptability, morale, and employee retention.
Moreover, ResearchGate introduces a four-dimension model—Joyous Exploration, Deprivation Sensitivity, Stress Tolerance, and Openness—showing that curiosity not only inspires innovation but also strengthens engagement, job satisfaction, and relationships.
3. Mental Health’s Hidden Ally: The Underrated Strength of Curiosity
Curiosity isn’t just for intellect—it’s a key to mental health. Studies in the positive psychology field find that curiosity:
- increases memory and may counter dementia-related decline in older adults,
- improves mental well-being, sparking positive emotions and reducing anxiety ,
- and boosts social connection—curiosity fosters empathy, open conversations, and likability .
A UCLA–led PLOS One study shows that state curiosity (interest in specific topics) increases after midlife—protecting cognitive function and helping track personal interests later in life.
4. Why Employers Now Value This Underrated Soft Skill
In professional environments, curiosity differentiates leaders from followers. Companies ask “What if…?” or “Why not…?”—sparking innovation, trust, and collaboration.
LinkedIn reports confirm curiosity as critical for adaptability and creativity in people leadership.
Data confirms that curiosity-based skill sets—openness, learning drive, innovation, interpersonal engagement—are among the most underrated levers for high performance.
5. Practical Ways to Boost Your Underrated Superpower
5.1 Create an information gap
- Identify weak spots in your knowledge, then ask questions or read about them. The drive to fill that gap stimulates curiosity .
5.2 Explore new territory intentionally
- Balance challenge and comfort for optimal growth.
- Rotate through topics and pair exploration with rest.
5.3 Ask better questions
- Shift from superficial queries (“What is…?”) to open ones (“Why does this work?”).
- Learn from children’s natural curiosity: Piaget documented how our earliest exploration patterns begin in youth .
5.4 Connect curiosity with purpose
- UCLA’s study shows that meaningful, chosen subjects—like hobbies—aid in sustaining curiosity past midlife .
5.5 Practice workplace curiosity
- Encourage brainstorming, ask colleagues for insights, and embrace diverse viewpoints.
- Equip your team with programs and safe spaces for question-driven growth.
Why Curiosity Is Truly Underrated
- Deep learning: It improves retention and understanding beyond surface-level knowledge.
- Enhanced innovation: Curiosity ties directly to creativity, business agility, and workplace excellence.
- Better wellbeing: Curious people are happier, more connected, and mentally resilient.
- Resilience across life stages: It spurs renewed interest in later stages and helps combat cognitive decline.
In a world fixated on technical skills, curiosity remains overlooked—and yet it is the engine for deeper insight, purpose, and connection. That’s why curiosity may well be the most underrated skill you have.
References
- Kang J. et al. “The neuroscience of curiosity,” PMC, 2009.
- Ajuwon V.A. et al. “Building better mental models via curiosity,” Scientific American, 2024.
- Laker B. “Why Curiosity Might Be The Most Underrated Skill In Business,” Forbes, Oct 2024.
- Arete Coach. “Beyond the Question: The Research-Based Benefits of Curiosity,” 2023.
- Wetzler J. “4 Surprising Benefits of Curiosity,” Psychology Today, Dec 2024.
- SAS. “Curiosity@Work Report,” 2021.
- Scientific American. “How the Science of Curiosity Boosts Learning,” June 2024.
- Forbes. “New UCLA Study on Improving Curiosity,” May 2025.
- Skillsoft. “Curiosity: In‑demand Skill for Employers,” 2025.
- LinkedIn article by Justin Bateh & Alexandr Gotoi, 2025.
- LeClaire C. “Why Curiosity Matters In The Workplace,” PPAI, Mar 2024.
- Research by Kashdan et al., ResearchGate, 2024.
- Piaget, J. “Curiosity in children,” Wikipedia, 2025.
- UCLA-led PLOS One study, The Times / PLOS One, May 2025.
