Curiosity

A pull toward exploring, asking why and learning new things.

Measured by the Character Strengths test. Scores run from 0 to 100.

Low scores (under 40): Settled

Curiosity is not the strength you reach for first. You tend to prefer what you already know works, which keeps you focused, though you may miss the odd surprise along the way.

Balanced scores (40 to 60)

Your curiosity comes and goes with the topic. When something grabs you, you dig in happily, and otherwise you are content to let it be.

High scores (over 60): Question-driven

You are drawn to questions, side paths and how things work. It keeps life interesting and your knowledge wide, though it can pull you away from finishing what you started.

Related traits

• Courage
  Acting on what matters even when it feels uncomfortable or risky.
• Perseverance
  Sticking with a goal through boredom, setbacks and slow progress.
• Kindness
  Caring about others and doing things for them without keeping score.
• Leadership
  Guiding a group, making things happen and helping people work toward a shared goal.
• Teamwork
  Pulling your weight in a group and putting the shared goal first.
• Humor
  Finding the lighter side of things and bringing joy to others.

Sources and method

This is a short self-report of ten strengths, and it ranks them for you, so a lower one is simply further down your personal list, not a weakness. Everyone has all ten to some degree, and context changes which ones show up. Treat the ranking as a prompt for reflection, not a verdict. Inspired by the character-strengths research tradition; not affiliated with any institute or commercial assessment.

Neither end of a dimension is better. Each comes with strengths and costs. For self-reflection and entertainment only.