Recently, we explored the role of curiosity in meeting complex challenges. I’m especially drawn to Pema Chödrön’s reminder to let our curiosity be greater than our fear.

It turns out, that like learning styles, curiosity varies from person to person. We often think of it as a single, simple urge—like hunger—but new research suggests it’s far more nuanced. In fact, scientists have identified three distinct styles of curiosity that influence how we seek and process information. People probably have a tendency toward a certain curiosity style, and this style can change over time.

First, there’s the busybody—someone who thrives on variety, bouncing from one subject to the next. They're fueled by novelty and the joy of discovery, especially in areas like food, culture, and the arts. Next is the hunter—focused, goal-oriented, and determined to find specific answers. This style is often well-suited to STEM fields. Finally, there’s the dancer—a creative thinker who leaps between ideas, blending them in unexpected ways and spotting patterns others might miss.

These styles aren’t mutually exclusive—many people exhibit traits from more than one category—but they do shape how we learn, how we feel, and even our overall well-being. Busybodies and dancers often find joy in the process of exploration, while hunters—though effective—may experience more stress or anxiety.

Understanding curiosity, it seems, has real implications for how we live, how we learn, and how we co-create the societies we inhabit.

‍