Before I began writing this piece, I started researching 21st-century skills. As I explored the resources I found helpful, I realized I could approach this topic from a broader perspective—and decided to save the 21st-century skills for another article. ✍️
Now, returning to the theme in the title and visual: curiosity, in my opinion, is one of the most essential and timeless qualities.
As centuries pass, sources and perspectives evolve with new disciplines and current issues. Yet the work of curious minds remains timeless. Whenever I think of curiosity, I think of figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi—people who emerged long before the technological advancements we have today. I begin to wonder, “What would the world be like if they had never lived?” and I find myself searching for answers to such questions.
These kinds of questions rarely have just one answer. Just like the ripples created when a stone hits the surface of a lake vary depending on where it lands, the reflections of the world shift with each different impact. Of course, in a world where concepts like lifelong learning still hold importance, it’s not just about maintaining what exists—it’s also about how we move forward from where we are. Time and life flow like a river… That’s why we should focus on keeping this river flowing, and hopefully, inspiring those who come after us along the way. 💭
To wrap up, curiosity shapes world history. It encourages people to explore new things. The discoveries and creations it drives—those that bring ease, open up new fields, and leave lasting impressions—become valuable resources for shaping the future.
As I close this piece, I want to leave you with a forward-looking question:
100 years from now, what kind of discovery would you like to be remembered for?
In which field, and with what kind of impact, would that discovery need to have for you to consider it a success? 🌱✨
Serra İspahani 