Quality

They say, either a profound quality, or an unredeemable sin: what do you choose? Well, for me it’s a profound quality, what makes reflection, inspiration, imagination possible. It’s a source of new ideas, of new ways of doing things, a motivation to write, to tell stories. I am curious about everything:  the way a girl walks, a cloud in the sky, the rain, water drops, books, titles, smiles, trees, leaves, sounds, bodies, art…

Not being curious about the universe would be like withdrawing from life. I am curious about Dostoevsky’s refections on his fellow convicts, about Montaigne’s observations on the religious wars, about Hitler’s conversation with Mannerheim, about history, antiquity, the fall of Rome, Venice, Constantinople, the Magus, Feynman’s diagrams, Andromeda. They all sources of reflection, contemplation, possible sources for stories. Above all I am curious about people, about what they do, what they like, or dislike, and about games.

Reading

People without curiosity are like people who don’t read. Something is missing, something that for me is as important as breathing. Curiosity leads to seeing the world in its many intriguing faces, and pushes one to travel, either for real or in dreams. Travel here means real travel, go somewhere and stay there for months, maybe years, learning, looking with new eyes. This is the quality that makes explorers, discoverers, writers of books that people still read after centuries.

What is it for me? It is at the centre of what I think Spirituality is, an insatiable wonder about the Creation and the Creator, the mystery of the Trinity, the life of early Christians, the orthodox Church, the Apocalypse, the merchants in the temple. I cannot dissociate faith and a constant search for meanings, beautiful texts, beauty. This search may be in books, in mathematics (Ha! Lagrange…), in churchyards, looking for angels, old scripts on stones, forgotten saints, in astronomical photography.

Photography

Photography itself is an extension of curiosity. I enjoy looking at a random presentation of my photo library covering twenty odd years. Such (re-) discoveries! Those mountains, rivers, trees, buildings, crowds, memories of a dozen countries, beloved faces of children and older people. How can one not be curious?

Is it a Sin?

Curiosity has been a subject of debate throughout history, with varying perspectives on its nature. Some consider curiosity to be a valuable quality, driving exploration, innovation, and intellectual growth. Others, however, view it as a sinful inclination, associated with disobedience, temptation, and a desire for forbidden knowledge.

In ancient times, curiosity was often seen as a virtue, as evidenced by the philosophical teachings of Socrates and Aristotle. The pursuit of knowledge and the questioning of established beliefs were highly regarded, leading to advancements in various fields.

However, during the medieval period, curiosity began to be associated with sin. The story of Adam and Eve in the Bible’s Book of Genesis portrayed curiosity as the root of humanity’s fall from grace. This perception influenced religious and societal views, discouraging individuals from questioning authority or seeking knowledge outside of prescribed boundaries.

The Renaissance period witnessed a resurgence of curiosity as a positive quality. The era’s humanist movement emphasized the importance of individual exploration, scientific inquiry, and artistic expression. Prominent figures like Leonardo da Vinci epitomized the curious mind, embracing a wide range of disciplines and pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

In more recent times, curiosity has been celebrated as a driving force behind scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and societal progress. The Enlightenment era, with its emphasis on reason and empirical evidence, further elevated curiosity as a crucial aspect of intellectual development.

Today, curiosity continues to be valued by many writers and thinkers. It is seen as a quality that fuels creativity, critical thinking, and the pursuit of truth. Writers often rely on curiosity to explore new ideas, challenge established norms, and engage readers in thought-provoking narratives.

In conclusion, the historical relevance of curiosity reveals its dual perception as both a quality and a sin. While some societies and periods have celebrated curiosity

Gospel according to Matthew