The Interaction of Security and Curiosity
I have written about the importance of situational awareness and mastering mental alertness previously. Curiosity is a big part of both of those. In fact, without curiosity we will be at a serious disadvantage when it comes to our safety and security.
Curiosity is simply the desire to find out more about something. It is a state of wanting to learn. This is critical to life in general, but is also helpful when we specifically look at improving our personal security.
When we are curious, we have a internal motivation to not ignore something. When someone is running or walking urgently down the street, fervently looking around, jacket hood up, and hands in the pockets of their coat on a relatively warm day we might get curious. It will stand out as abnormal and so we will ask ourselves a question out of curiosity, “What’s going on here?”
Now, it may be someone who just robbed a gas station up the street and is trying to flee without attracting too much attention. Or, perhaps more likely, it’s someone who is feeling uncomfortable in that part of town and running late, who didn’t have time to drop off their jacket in the car. We can perhaps tell the difference by watching for a few minutes, analyzing the bigger context and situation around this person, or even asking if they need help. The important piece to remember is that it is curiosity that allows us to notice, remember, and respond to the abnormal.
Curiosity helps take us to the next level of mental alertness beyond just noticing (and perhaps subsequently forgetting). Being situationally aware is very good. Moving beyond just awareness to understanding is even better.
Curiosity, not suspicion
It is important to note too, that curiosity is a much kinder and healthier alternative to suspicion. Just because someone is acting abnormal or we feel uncomfortable in a situation doesn’t always imply danger. Instead of immediately getting suspicious, get curious. Ask questions. Try out alternative stories for what you are observing. Watch what happens next and see which story is most likely to be true.
Curiosity will also open you up to new opportunities, new relationships, and new information. The goal on this journey to improved personal security is not to shut off from the world, but to become more competent and capable in our interactions with it.
Stay curious.
What Next?
- Read this article on Cooper’s Color Code to learn how to improve your mental alertness
- Check out Everyman Security’s Guide to Situational Awareness
- Curiosity is most beneficial when you Pause and Look Around
- Staying curious also helps make sure you Don’t Get Lazy with Security
