We all want to be happy. However, despite the incredible advancement of modern technology and society, few of us are truly happy. The good news is that we’re all capable of achieving happiness and more meaning in life if we adopt the right attitudes and behaviors. Perhaps the most important attitude is curiosity. Studies show that life becomes better when you’re curious.

Curiosity is the engine of intellectual achievement. Research shows that people who are more curious about a topic tend to learn faster. A famous psychology professor, George Loewenstein, suggested that curiosity is not only a mental state but also an emotion that pushes us to fill gaps in our knowledge.

Furthermore, curiosity improves social relationships. Motivational speaker Anthony Robbins observed that “the quality of your life is in direct proportion to the quality of your relationships.” Curiosity is something we all value in our friends. When friends show curiosity about your life, they demonstrate more empathy, offer useful advice, and help keep things enjoyable. After all, who wants to be friends with someone who shows no interest?

Besides learning and relationships, curiosity benefits brain health. Studies have shown that being open to new experiences keeps your brain active and alert. Writer Larry Dossey cited research in his book showing that women who regularly try new experiences — stepping out of their familiar routines — tend to maintain better mental abilities as they age.

Given these benefits, the importance of curiosity is clear. How can you live a fulfilling life without experiencing and learning new things? Fortunately, there are simple ways to develop curiosity:

Reading exposes you to new ideas and different worlds, which can inspire you to explore further. Don’t hesitate to read about various topics. Even picking up a magazine on a subject you don’t normally read about can stimulate your curiosity and teach you something new.

As scientist Neil DeGrasse Tyson said, “people who don’t ask questions remain ignorant throughout their lives.” Always ask questions. Not knowing something is not only acceptable but actually better — that’s how you start learning. The basic questions — who, what, when, where, why, and how — are essential tools for curious minds.

1. 1.What can we infer about curiosity from George Loewenstein’s view?

A    It focuses on solving problems.

B    It requires special training.

C    It involves both thinking and feeling.

D    It depends on existing knowledge.

2. 2.Why does the author quote Anthony Robbins in the third paragraph?

A    To criticize modern relationships.

B    To demonstrate curiosity’s social value.

C    To compare different experts’ views.

D    To introduce a new research finding.

3. 3.What is the main point about new experiences in the fourth paragraph?

A    They provide lasting brain benefits.

B    They are especially good for women.

C    They should be done regularly.

D    They help break boring routines.

4. 4.What do the methods suggested in the passage have in common?

A    They require active personal involvement.

B    They depend on professional guidance.

C    They focus on academic improvement.

D    They need special equipment.