Intelligence is a collection of multiple things. Curiosity is a contributor, but far from an integral part.
Someone can be a brilliant mathematician, capable of computing complex equations that would stump most computers (metaphorically at least), but they may utterly lack creativity and curiosity. In any definition of intelligence we would consider them highly intelligent.
On the flip side someone may be completely filled with curiosity about the world, but lack the intelligence to read or write.
Technically that is a learned skill, this is why intelligence is really a fairly useless measure. What is intelligence? Memorizing lots of facts? Having loads of education? A built in understanding of the world that others lack (common sense)?
I think what really matters is that you find the thing in life where you fit, rather than worrying about how we measure up. I have known very intelligent people who were worthless human beings, and simple minded people who made the world more special every day. We focus too much on being smart, it is one of the least important attributes.
What is intelligence?
(1) : the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations : reason
also : the skilled use of reason
(2) : the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one’s environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (such as tests)
How does one spark curiosity?
Ask questions. Either people will or won’t engage but if you have any credibility with them, they have a little bit of buy in to listen to your shit. Then you just might get them curious.
Just the other day I was walking through our local VA campus and I was curious about why every roof of the buildings built in the 1920s has a bunch of little house looking vent things on the top. I think I know the answer but I’m still curious about it.
Probably not a good example of something to spark curiosity with, but you never know what will.
