Perspectives

It rained, and I was glad. It did not matter that I had to walk from office to station then station to home. I had a coat and hat with me. What mattered was that the fields were receiving a good soaking. However I suspect that not every other commuter was thrilled by the unsettled weather. How perspectives vary.

The horses were damp, and mud on their backs was evidence of rolling. Enthusiastically they nibbled at grass that seemed refreshed already by the downpour.

Out there all seemed simple: man, horse, trees, damp ground, broad sky across which a firm breeze drove dark clouds. No wonder going to the field is such an antidote to work.

Tomorrow morning I need to attend a management discussion on morale, which is perceived to be flagging. Mine isn't, of course. But I can hardly recommend horses and a lively imagination.

Being curious is a good positive approach. But how does one teach curiosity? A hunger for ideas and knowledge is preferable for these are rare free gifts in an expensive world. Well, perhaps not quite free, for time is needed to grow and think, and there is the labour of thought. But one does not need to purchase a license to wonder and think.

I wonder what to say tomorrow? Well not exactly horses and imagination. Perhaps contact with the real world and the challenge to try and understand a little bit of it? But what made me curious? I need to think that one through. It's hard enough to find out what one wants without getting to the matter of why. But now I am intrigued to know the answer. I need a long ride to give me space to think.

 

Comments

[Karen]

Hey Julian, you got me thinking here, as much as anything because curiosity is a vital part of two aspects of my life - my scientific approach, and my work as a counsellor. But your question how does one teach curiosity makes me think about children - that they are naturally curious. Perhaps it is not a case of teaching curiosity, but of being aware how we have put up blocks to that natural aspect of humanity. For example, as older children we learn that being curious might be dangerous ('Don't do that, you'll get hurt!') or that being curious does not help us fit the social norm in which we establish our sense of ourself in society (eg, what would it feel like if I didn't wear any shoes when I was cycling?, or if I shaved my head? or if were to refuse to speak to anyone for a week?). So as teenagers go through discovering their own identity, and experiment with stuff like the above examples, they tend to eventually conform to society's norm, and some of the curiosity is asphyxiated. As a counsellor, part of my work with adults is often about discovering again one's individual identity, and curiosity is a catalyst for this process. Thanks for provoking the thought!

[lytha]

Interesting question that came up last week, my husband said, "I wish I had your curiosity and fascination about things."

I've never considered myself to be intelligent, but I have above average observational skills that seem to help. Problem is, my observation skills rarely work on people, I use it for my environment.

How do I learn to be curious about people themselves? That would be a good skill.

If I remember back to my corporate life, morale can be improved by letting employees have choices. Employee of the Month doesn't really work, but offering flextime does. Stock options help with morale, I've found. I was able to get Casual Fridays changed to Casual Everyday after collecting signed statements that we'd try not to look like bums. I also was able to get free soda because that was the norm. At least all companies should offer free coffee (that doesn't always happen here in Germany, amazingly). Others wanted cubicles and not just desks - isn't it odd that we wanted to sit in dark little boxes? Privacy and having your own space is huge. I'm curious what will happen at your workplace.

[White Horse Pilgrim]

Those are two great comments, thank you both. I've posted in response.

Karen - we need to spend some more time talking. (Don't shave your head and cycle barefoot before I can pop over with my camera! Though really I'm the one who does crazy things.)

Lytha - those thoughts I shall borrow. I'll let you know what happens at the office. Probably they will wallow in conservatism. No-one could decide what food to order for the meeting so there was none.

It's funny about the signed statements not to look like bums. In my place the men wear suits whilst many of the women look like students. I'm not quite sure what that is about.

Anyway my desk is decorated with Tolkien art. Oddly enough when I'm not using it - I move between two offices - my desk is a popular place to sit.