June 24, 2026

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On The Upside with Marley

The Surprising Value of Being Curious

Children are naturally curious. They ask questions about everything. Why is the sky blue? How do birds fly? Why do cats purr? To a child, the world is one giant mystery waiting to be explored.

Somewhere along the way, many of us lose that curiosity. We become comfortable with what we already know. We stop asking questions because we don’t want to appear uninformed, or we assume we’ve learned enough. The result is that our world slowly becomes smaller.

Curiosity is one of the most valuable traits a person can possess. Curious people continue learning throughout their lives. They discover new hobbies, develop new skills, meet new people, and often find opportunities that others overlook. Curiosity keeps the mind active and engaged.

It also improves relationships. Curious people tend to ask questions and genuinely listen to the answers. They seek to understand rather than simply waiting for their turn to speak. That simple habit can strengthen friendships, family connections, and workplace relationships.

Curiosity doesn’t require a university degree, special training, or extraordinary intelligence. It simply requires the willingness to admit that there is always more to learn.

The smartest people I know are often the quickest to say, “I don’t know.” They are comfortable not having all the answers because they understand that every unanswered question is an opportunity for growth.

Life becomes far more interesting when we approach it with curiosity instead of certainty. New ideas become exciting rather than threatening. Different perspectives become opportunities rather than obstacles.

A curious mind doesn’t just gather knowledge. It keeps life interesting, meaningful, and full of possibility.

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Amazing Inventions Created By Accident

Many of the products we use every day were never part of the original plan. Some of history’s most successful inventions happened because someone was curious enough to investigate an unexpected result.

• Post-it Notes were born when a scientist accidentally created a weak adhesive. Instead of discarding it, he searched for a practical use.
• The Microwave Oven was discovered when an engineer noticed a chocolate bar melting in his pocket while working with radar equipment.
• Potato Chips reportedly came about when a restaurant customer complained that french fries were too thick. The cook sliced them paper-thin in response.
• Safety Glass was discovered when a chemist dropped a coated glass flask that cracked without shattering.
• Velcro was inspired by burrs clinging to a dog’s fur during a walk in the countryside.

These discoveries remind us that innovation often begins with curiosity. Someone notices something unexpected and chooses to explore rather than ignore it.

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Common Myths People Still Believe

Some myths survive for generations because they sound believable. A closer look often reveals a very different story.

• Goldfish only remember things for a few seconds. Research suggests they can retain information for months.
• The Great Wall of China is visible from space. In most cases, it cannot be seen with the naked eye from orbit.
• Bulls hate the colour red. Bulls react to movement rather than colour.
• Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis. Studies have found no evidence that it causes the condition.
• Hair grows back thicker after shaving. It may appear thicker, but the hair itself has not changed.

Sometimes a little curiosity is all it takes to separate fact from fiction.

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Curious Questions Science Still Can’t Fully Answer

Despite centuries of scientific progress, some surprisingly common questions still don’t have complete answers.

Why do we dream? Scientists know dreams occur primarily during REM sleep, but their exact purpose remains uncertain.

Why do we yawn? Theories range from cooling the brain to improving alertness, but no single explanation fully satisfies researchers.

Why are some people left-handed? Genetics appears to play a role, yet the complete explanation remains unclear.

Why do humans laugh? Laughter strengthens social bonds and relieves stress, but its evolutionary origins remain debated.

Why do cats purr? Cats often purr when content, but they also purr when stressed or injured, making the behaviour difficult to fully explain.

One of the most exciting aspects of science is that there are still mysteries waiting to be solved.

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The Fishing Guide

A tourist hired a fishing guide and spent the entire day without catching a single fish. On the ride back, the guide tried to remain positive and said, “Well, at least you enjoyed the scenery.” The tourist replied, “For what I paid, I was hoping the fish would enjoy the scenery.”

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The School Report

A student brought home a report card filled with average grades. His father studied it carefully and asked, “Do you think you’re reaching your full potential?” The student replied, “Probably not. But neither is the report card.”

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The New Phone

A man bought a brand-new smartphone and proudly announced that it could do almost anything. His friend asked, “Can it make dinner?” The man replied, “Not yet, but it can order takeout while I stare at recipes I have no intention of cooking.”

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The Farmer

A tourist asked a farmer how many sheep he owned. The farmer replied, “I don’t know.” The tourist looked surprised. “You don’t know?” The farmer nodded and said, “No. Every time I try counting them, I fall asleep.”

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The Hotel

A guest called the hotel front desk and said, “I can’t get any sleep. The couple in the next room won’t stop arguing.” The clerk replied, “I’ll take care of it immediately.” Five minutes later the clerk called back and asked, “How’s that?” The guest replied, “Much worse. Now they’re arguing with you.”

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Editors Quote Book

“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”

— Albert Einstein

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Trivia Quiz

(Click Question For Answer)

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Curiosity Changes Everything

Kids are naturally curious, which can be chaotic! We tend to squash that.

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Five Canadian Records That Still Impress

Canada is home to some remarkable records and achievements that many people have never heard about.

• The world’s longest coastline belongs to Canada, stretching more than 240,000 kilometres.
• The Bay of Fundy experiences the highest tides on Earth, with water levels changing dramatically twice each day.
• Manitoulin Island remains the world’s largest freshwater island.
• The Rideau Canal often becomes the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink during winter.
• Canada contains more lakes than any other country, holding an enormous percentage of the world’s freshwater supply.

Sometimes we don’t have to travel far to discover something extraordinary.

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Your Horoscope

For Amusement Only

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The Broken Pencil

I tried writing with a broken pencil. It was pointless.

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The Weather Forecast

The weather forecast predicted sunshine, rain, wind, and clouds. For once, they covered all the possibilities.

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The GPS

My GPS and I have a complicated relationship. It suggests directions, and I confidently ignore them.

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The Clock

I keep a broken clock on my wall. It may not work, but twice a day it feels very accomplished.

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The Restaurant

A waiter asked if I wanted a box for my leftovers. I said, “No thanks, but I’ll arm wrestle you for them.”

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The Curious Traveler

A traveler asked a local, “What’s the quickest way to get to the museum?” The local replied, “Are you walking or driving?” The traveler said, “Driving.” The local smiled and replied, “That’s definitely the quickest way.”

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The Last Word

“A curious mind stays young long after the body grows old.”

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