School of Curiosity
Explore. Dream. Discover.
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The Joy of Books
February 11, 2013
What would happen if the printed book had just been invented in a high-tech world in which people had never done their reading from anything but computer screens?
“The unquestionable advantages of the computer would not be threatened by this new product but the people, who so love to compare apples with pears, would be quite bowled over by this ultra-modern invention: after years spent chained to the screen they would suddenly have something they could open like a window or a door – a machine you can physically enter!
For the first time knowledge would be combined with a sense of touch and gravity – this new invention allows you to experience the most incredible sensations, reading becomes a physical experience. And after experiencing knowledge only as a bundle of connections, as a system of interacting networks, suddenly here is individuality: every book is an independent personality, which cannot be taken apart or added to at will. And how relaxing these new reading appliances are, their operating systems never needs updating – the only thing that changes over the course of time is the message that they contain, which is always open to new interpretations.”
Juan Villoro, Mexican writer and journalist.
Have a curious day.
Doodletatstic
February 6, 2013
Get your pencils at the ready. This Friday, 8th February is National Doodle Day.
It’s run by charity Epilepsy Action, now in its 10th year, and asks people to draw a doodle to raise money to support those with epilepsy. Doodling is brilliant, and anyone can do it, no artistic blah required. Da Vinci, Twain, Beckett, Keats and Plato were all famous doodlers. The website Doodlers Anonymous has more than 9, 000 members. There is evidence that doodling isn’t the result of an idle mind but a keen one. Doodling helps you focus, remember and develop creative ideas.
Have a curious, doodletastic day!
Sixty One Days
February 5, 2013
New research suggests that the average Briton feels 100% fit only sixty-one days a year. It seems that most of the time we are suffering from colds, backaches, bitten tongues, cricked necks, headaches, heartburn, old sporting injuries, ear infections – you name it we’ve got it.
If you are feeling good today, It’s one of your 61 days. Make sure you enjoy it to the full.
Have a curious day.
Opportunity knocks
February 4, 2013
A thought for the day…
Dear Optimist, Pessimist and Realist.
While you were busy arguing about the glass of water, I drank it.
Sincerely, the Opportunist.
Have a curious day.
Ecoute
January 17, 2013
Last night I watched a TV programme on France 2. It consisted of four people (not celebrities) sitting in a loft talking about their lives. What was fascinating, apart from the fact that there were no celebrities, was how well they listened to each other. It was a proper conversation.
How often do we find ourselves thinking about what we want to say next, rather than listening to the other person? We have two ears and one mouth and should use them in that proportion.
Listening well is the greatest compliment you can pay.
Pay someone a compliment. Listen to them.
Have a curious day.
Move mountains – phone a friend
January 16, 2013
Friendships lead us to perceive mountains as less steep. Researchers asked volunteers to meet them at the base of a hill and asked that they either come alone or with a friend. Those who were accompanied by a friend–especially a friend they were close to and knew a long time–judged the hill to be less steep than those who were alone.
Don’t struggle on alone – phone a friend.
Have a curious day.
Caged
January 10, 2013
Most of us still caged within careers chosen for us by our not entirely worldly 18-22 year old selves.
Think about it. Do what you love.
Have a curious day.
Part one of Clementines journey to her new home in Villefranche-sur-Mer….watch out for the embarrassing moment at 1 minute 29.
Have a curious day.
The journey of a thousand miles – Part One
January 9, 2013
The mathematics of mirth
January 8, 2013
Some years ago an academic produced a mathematical formula which showed that a day in early January was the most depressing day of the year. To be honest January can be a bit dull, so here’s a mathematical formula designed to cheer you up.
Put your ear on your pillow and use your finger to trace the formula -2 -2 + = it sounds like ‘Chim Chimmeny’ from the musical Mary Poppins.
Have a curious day.
Change the world 101
January 7, 2013
It’s a New Year. Why not be a bit more ambitious this year…..just change the world. See instructions above.
Have a curious day.