Honesty and Curiosity

I want to get honest here.

At a certain point in my life, a teacher I greatly admired told me that I would never be able to complete any post-secondary degree. It was a devastating blow, a memory that still haunts me vividly. For years, I carried the weight of that statement, internalizing it and letting it shape my self-perception, especially when combined with my own sense of self and the challenges posed by my disabilities.

Fast forward to today, and I find myself nearing the end of my first semester in my Master's program. Reflecting on this journey, I can't help but think back to the younger version of myself, the one who enjoyed school despite the struggles. I remember a child who liked to ask questions, fueling a curiosity that sought answers and reveled in the knowledge that those answers could change based on new information.

It's a stark contrast to the child I became after being told I could not do nor would ever accomplish a post-secondary (because I was obsessed with researchers and what they shared). That once-curious spirit was dampened, and I carried that doubt with me for years. However, recently rediscovering the power of honesty and curiosity has been transformative (and cathartic).

Hosting programming and outreach events has become a way for me to reconnect with that curious child. Each event is an opportunity to witness the same spark of curiosity in others. It's a beautiful reminder that, inherently, we are all born with an innate sense of wonder and a desire to learn and interact.

Yet, there's another side to this story that weighs heavily on my heart. Often, I encounter clearly curious individuals, but something holds them back from asking questions. It's as if they've been conditioned by doubt, afraid to seek answers because they were once told they couldn't (this also could just be me placing my assumptions and biases). This realization has heightened my appreciation for the importance of fostering a public space for curiosity—a space where questions are welcomed and encouraged.

Public discourse plays a crucial role in nurturing curiosity. It's a space where diverse perspectives can coexist, and questions can be explored without judgment. In a world that can be quick to dismiss or belittle inquiries, creating and preserving public spaces for curiosity is a powerful act. and a very human one.

The willingness to be honest about our own struggles and doubts opens the door for others to do the same. It creates a shared space where vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength, and where curiosity can thrive without fear of judgment. This honesty becomes a beacon of hope, guiding those who have been told they can't toward the realization that they can.

In a society that sometimes seems to prioritize certainty over curiosity, let us remember the profound impact of embracing honesty and nurturing our inherent curiosity. It is through this commitment that we can build a world where everyone, regardless of past doubts or notions of ability, feels empowered to ask questions, seek answers, and continually grow. Public spaces for curiosity are not just important; they are essential for the collective well-being of our society and the individuals within it.

As a public historian, this has become a driving force for me. I want people to remain curious. Whether they come in person or online.

What are ways you see honesty and curiosity impacting public history?