Robert Louis Stevenson: 'It is one thing to mortify curiosity, another to conquer it.'

It is one thing to mortify curiosity, another to conquer it.

Have you ever pondered on the words of Robert Louis Stevenson, who once said, 'It is one thing to mortify curiosity, another to conquer it'? At first glance, this quote seems simple enough to understand. Stevenson suggests that there is a distinction between suppressing our innate curiosity and truly overcoming it. But, let us delve a bit deeper into the meaning and importance of this quote, and then wander into the realm of an unexpected philosophical concept to bring a new level of intrigue to the discussion.To summarize the quote simply, Stevenson is proposing that it is not enough to merely suppress or ignore our curiosity; we should aim to conquer and understand it. It is essential to recognize the difference between these two approaches, as they have profound implications for personal growth and intellectual development.Curiosity, an innate and driving force within us, leads us to explore, learn, and discover. It fuels our desire to understand the world around us, propelling us forward into realms of knowledge that were previously unknown. However, curiosity can also be overwhelming and distracting. It can pull us away from focus and productivity, leading us down rabbit holes of endless questions and distractions. To mortify curiosity is to dampen its influence, to suppress its persistent nagging, and to maintain a focus on the task at hand.Now, let's introduce a thought-provoking philosophical concept into the mix - the idea that curiosity is not something external to us, but rather a fundamental aspect of our existence. French philosopher Gaston Bachelard proposed the notion of 'epistemological curiosity,' which posits that curiosity is not just a fleeting emotion but a guiding principle in our quest for knowledge and understanding.Bachelard argues that curiosity is an essential part of the human experience and should not be seen as a distraction or impediment. Instead, it should be embraced and nurtured. In this context, Stevenson's quote takes on a new layer of significance. It is not just about suppressing curiosity, but about understanding it, harnessing its power, and using it to fuel our intellectual pursuits.By conquering curiosity, we are not negating or stifling it; rather, we are honing it into a tool that drives us forward, allowing us to delve deeper into our interests and passions. It is through this conquest that we can make significant strides in personal growth and intellectual development. When we truly understand curiosity and its role in shaping our thoughts and actions, we are better equipped to channel it effectively, transforming it from a potential distraction to a catalyst for knowledge and innovation.In conclusion, Robert Louis Stevenson's quote, 'It is one thing to mortify curiosity, another to conquer it,' invites us to reflect upon the distinction between suppressing our innate curiosity and genuinely understanding and harnessing its power. Through the introduction of Gaston Bachelard's concept of 'epistemological curiosity,' we come to appreciate that curiosity is not an obstacle to overcome but a guiding force that propels us toward personal growth and intellectual advancement. So, let us not mortify our curiosity but seek to conquer it, for within that conquest lies the key to unlocking our true potential.