Curiosity as an Antidote to Judgment

Article published, in Portuguese, at A?oriano Oriental , on October 5th, 2024

One morning, while driving, I heard the regional news reporting an interruption in the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores. The reason? Disagreements that quickly escalated into personal accusations and heated discussions. Amid constant interruptions and harsh exchanges, the President was forced to suspend the session for a few minutes. Much was said about wounded honours and accusations of political manoeuvring, but little attention was paid to the real concerns of the Azoreans. The heightened tone of all those involved reflects something deeper: in a room where so many have a voice, it seems that no one truly listens. The ALRAA, which should be a space for dialogue, increasingly resembles a stage for confrontation, where noise replaces reflection, and debate turns into spectacle.

A few days later, on social media, a reel popped up showing a scene from the series Ted Lasso. In this scene, set in a bar during a game of darts, Ted says, “Be curious, not judgmental,” attributing the quote to Walt Whitman. This statement raises a central point: curiosity should outweigh judgment.

This misattribution, much like the famous but incorrectly associated quote from Aristotle—“It is the mark of an educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it”—serves as a warning of how easily we can get lost in what we think we know, rather than questioning deeper truths. But beyond the errors regarding who said what, the main message remains invaluable: curiosity is the foundation of education, growth, and understanding.

In an era when the Azores navigate the complexities of today’s world, one thing becomes clear: curiosity, not judgment, must be our guiding principle. It’s not just about quotes or misattributions. It’s about the values that should shape our society.

The Power of Curiosity

Curiosity invites us to approach the world and others with openness and to consider ideas without immediately judging them. This is crucial for the future of the Azores, especially as we face urgent challenges, such as balancing tourism with environmental sustainability, preserving cultural authenticity while embracing modernization, and understanding our role in a rapidly changing global context.

In the Azores, these challenges require thoughtful and educated responses. However, our debates are often dominated by a rush to judge. We listen to respond, rather than listening to understand.

Listening to Understand

The difference between listening to respond and listening to understand is profound. When we listen only to respond, we miss the opportunity to connect with the deeper needs and concerns of our community, as well as to see the valid points in opposing views. We jump to conclusions, armed with answers before the other side has even finished speaking. This leads to polarized discussions where progress is stalled, and new ideas are stifled.

To tackle the challenges we face, we must cultivate a culture of genuine listening—where we seek to understand before forming opinions. Some time ago, in a conversation about strategy changes and new procedures, I told a colleague that discomfort is one of the most important catalysts for change. If we listen. If we see. And if we are willing.

Take, for example, the transition from whaling to ecotourism. It wasn’t just about economic models. The decision to preserve marine life through ecotourism was a clear example of listening and acting. It was curiosity—and discomfort—that led to this transformation. An openness to rethink old practices and explore new ways of living in harmony with nature. And it will be curiosity that guides us into the future, whether in creating sustainable tourism models or preserving our cultural heritage.

The Role of an Educated Mind

This is my favourite quote: “It is the mark of an educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it.” This ability is critical now more than ever. In our small island society, where everyone’s voice matters, making room for diverse perspectives without immediate judgment can make the difference between divisive stagnation and inclusive prosperity.

All citizens of the Azores should remember this. We must cultivate a mindset that welcomes new ideas, even those we may not immediately agree with. Whether we are discussing the future of our islands in the context of climate change or the impacts of increasing tourism, we must foster a culture where ideas can be explored without immediate rejection, especially in political or civic discussions.

From Curiosity to Action

Curiosity is not passive. It is active. It requires not only that we listen but that we engage. As we consider the future of the Azores, let us engage with curiosity and a willingness to consider the unknown. Let us listen to understand the diverse perspectives, each shaped by its own stories and perceptions.

In light of the global challenges we face, we must conduct our public life with curiosity and innovation, allowing curiosity to outweigh judgment and understanding to prevail overreaction. We have the opportunity to build a future that reflects the best of our traditions while addressing modern challenges and opportunities.

In the end, it doesn’t matter who said it first—Whitman or Aristotle—but who lived it better. It doesn’t matter whether the blame lies with the previous or the current government. Whether the finger points to the left or the right. Each of us, by promoting dialogue and reflection, has a role to play in building a future that preserves our traditions while embracing modern challenges.

#CommunityEngagement #SocialImpact #ActiveCitizenship #DestinationManagement