Curiosity Quote by Ian Hacking
“I'm a dilettante. My governing word is 'curiosity.'”
About This Quote
A self‑identified dilettante values curiosity as the guiding principle, embracing broad, shallow exploration over deep specialization.
In simple terms: Curiosity drives a broad, exploratory approach.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate curiosity over mastery.
Themes
learning
exploration
humility
Mood
inquisitive
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal development
- creative projects
- lifelong learning
- cross‑disciplinary work
Key Concepts
interdisciplinarity
intellectual openness
Questions to Reflect On
- How does curiosity shape your choices?
- What are the trade‑offs of being a dilettante?
A Different Perspective
May lack depth or expertise in any one area.
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
![“[T]he question "What is everything?" has no meaning, even though it seems to be profound. [...] The point is, perhaps, that I am not looking for a verbal answer, just as when I ask for a kiss, I do not want a piece of paper with "A kiss" written on it. It is rather that metaphysical wonder looks…” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/705/alan-w-watts-9497_curiosity_t-he-question-what-is-everything-has-no_3984.jpg)
![“By profession a biologist, [Thomas Henry Huxley] covered in fact the whole field of the exact sciences, and then bulged through its four fences. Absolutely nothing was uninteresting to him. His curiosity ranged from music to theology and from philosophy to history. He didn't simply know something…” quote by H. L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f46/h-l-mencken-245_absolutely-nothing_by-profession-a-biologist-thomas-henry-h_5368.jpg)
