100 Days Challenge | Musings | #24
How Curiosity Can Build a Mental Library
I recently had an experience that made me pause and appreciate the value of the time I spend learning.
Sitting on a sofa with my fingertip, I went scrolling on a screen to read an article on a topic I’d never deeply explored before. I found myself pulling together ideas and information from a wide range of sources — podcasts I’d listened to, books I’d read, courses I’d completed, or even some discussions I had with friends. It felt like I had a personal library in my mind, ready to provide relevant insights whenever I needed them.
This moment of realization highlighted something I’ve been doing for a while:
Actively engaging in learning.
This curiosity started to grow (again) when I found this podcast on Spotify. Listening to how little kids didn’t hesitate to ask some simple yet profound questions through emails (helped by their parents) to the podcasters — Olivia and her dad, Jacob.
It made me realize how much I missed the innocent curiosity of childhood — the kind that drives you to explore the world without hesitation.
Listening to those questions reminded me that staying curious is key to lifelong learning and personal growth, and it revived my desire to approach life with the same wonder and eagerness I had as a kid.
This curiosity has led me to explore a variety of topics through different mediums. Whether it’s a podcast episode during my daily chores, an online course such as Coursera or LinkedIn Learning, or simply reading an article that catches my eye like Medium, Substack, or Quora.
The Power of Curiosity
Curiosity is like a spark that ignites the fire of learning. It’s that itch to know more — to understand how things work or to uncover new perspectives.
For me, curiosity has been the driving force behind my learning journey. It’s what keeps me exploring new podcasts, diving into online courses, and picking up books on subjects I know little about.
This curiosity has opened up a world of knowledge. I’ve found myself interested in topics ranging from philosophy to psychology, from personal development to current events.
Every time I learn something new, it feels like I’m adding another book to that mental library, expanding the range of ideas I can draw from.
Embracing Active Learning
Being an active learner means more than just consuming information — it means engaging with it, understanding it, and applying it in real life.
This isn’t just about listening to a podcast passively or skimming through an article. It’s about reflecting on what I’ve learned, connecting it with other knowledge, and thinking about how I can use it.
For example, I set aside specific times each day to sit in silence and scribble out my thoughts about what I’ve just learned.
Oftentimes, while washing the dishes after having lunch or dinner, my mind tried to recall what things I learned today, yesterday, or some days ago.
Sometimes, I use the Feynman technique, but slightly differently with the steps he taught, though. I don’t teach my understanding to kids. Instead, I engage in a conversation with a friend or someone that I assume would be interested in the topic I want to tell them.
And most of the time, I reach out to people that are familiar enough with the topics I have just learned. About architecture stuff to my partner, about current cases to my lecturer, about religion to my father or other Sunday School teachers, about exercise to build body to my younger brother, or any specific unfamiliar finance or bank terms to my elder brother.
I think everyone must have their expertise. It’s such a fun way to get the things you want from them by engaging in a conversation. They will be happy if they are asked questions based on what they are good at. It also means that you acknowledge them as having the knowledge you need.
Just remember that you ask their opinions, thoughts, or what they know about something you’d like to ask politely and not try to patronize them.
The Benefits of a Mental Library
Having a mental library means that whenever I’m faced with a new topic or a challenging question, I’m not starting from scratch. I can draw on the information I’ve stored away, making connections and understanding things more deeply than I otherwise would. It’s like having a vast and well-organized collection of knowledge that’s always at my fingertips.
This mental library has proven invaluable in so many ways.
When I’m writing, I can pull together ideas from different fields to craft a more nuanced argument. In conversations, I can contribute insights that others might not have considered.
The Joy of Lifelong Learning
But beyond the practical benefits, a deep sense of joy comes from being a lifelong learner. Learning isn’t just about accumulating facts or mastering new skills — it’s about growing, staying curious, and remaining engaged with the world around you.
It’s about recognizing that there’s always more to discover, no matter how much you already know.
For me, this journey of learning has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s given me confidence, broadened my horizons, and made me more adaptable. I’ve learned to appreciate the process of learning itself rather than just the end result. And in doing so, I’ve found that every day offers an opportunity to learn something new.
If there’s one message I’d like to leave you with, it’s this:
Embrace the mindset of always being curious.
Actively seek out new knowledge, whether through podcasts, online courses, books, or any other medium that resonates with you. Build your own mental library, and watch as it enriches your life in ways you never expected.
Lifelong learning isn’t just a habit — it’s a way of life that can transform how you see the world.
Thank you for reading!
With Love,
Jesica ❤
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