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The effects of Curiosity
Joseph Arre
Class of 2008,University of Baguio
B.S in Nursing
To live life curiously is to have a meaningful life. Curiosity has sparked the interest of many inventors, which
then led to the creation and discovery of various things. In 1928, an amazing thing happened because of mere
curiosity. Alexander Fleming, a Scottish biologist, noticed that there was a strange fungus which was left in his
workstation. He became curious about the fungus and then he started several experiments. He noticed that
the bacteria did not seem to thrive like in other specimen cultures. His curiosity and his research led to the
discovery of Penicillin, which is an antibiotic based on penicillium moulds. His discovery helped shape the
medical field and has saved millions of lives.
In 1907, another thing happened because of curiosity. During that time Shellac was the primary insulator in
various circuits. Shellac was an effective insulator yet it was expensive and most companies cannot buy it.
Shellac was actually made from Southeast Asian beetles, which is quite rare in America and the only way to get
it is through import. A chemist named Leo Hendrik Baekland became curious about the production of Shellac
and he wanted to find a better and cheaper alternative to the product. He then experimented on moldable
materials which can be used as insulator for high levels of temperature. He found the product named Bakelite
and he then applied it in his experiments. His experiments then led to the creation of plastic, which is used in
telephone wiring and even food packs.
Along with the creation of different items, curiosity has also led to the expedition of conquistadors and
explorers. Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, was obsessed in looking for a new passage to the pacific
and because of his curiosity about undiscovered lands he accidentally discovered a group of islands. The
archipelago was named Philippines, derived from the name of King Phillip II of Spain. In 1942, another explorer
found several Caribbean islands by accident. Genoese explorer, Christopher Columbus discovered the islands
and later was actually the southwestern part of the United States.
Albert Einstein pointed out that the important thing is to not stop questioning since curiosity has its reasons for
existing. He pointed out that curiosity is important and it exists in order for us to improve in life. People who
are often curious are the ones who learn more from life. A child who is more curious than other kids is often
the one who excels more in school. The reason for this is that a child who tends to be curious often tries to find
answers by reading or by asking his teachers. He only stops asking questions once he gets the right answer.
Questions:
1) Who pointed out that the important thing is to not stop questioning?
2) Who discovered America?
3) What did Alexander Fleming discovered?
4) Who is Ferdinand Magellan?
5) What is Shellac?