The Strategy of Curiosity

Why Technical Knowledge Alone Isn’t Enough

In 1985, I received my first computer—a Commodore 64—and it was love at first sight. At the time, I barely understood the potential of what lay before me, but one thing was clear: my future would be tied to this machine. Exploring its inner workings, unraveling the logic behind programming languages, and writing my first lines of code was nothing short of exhilarating.

For the first time, I discovered something that hadn’t lost its charm once experienced, like a movie or a book. This machine offered something unique: it responded, reacted, and invited endless experimentation.

My fascination only deepened in the late eighties when I stumbled upon a new frontier—exchanging data remotely using radio waves. The Internet as we know it didn’t exist yet, but this breakthrough allowed me to connect to the first Bulletin Board Systems (BBS). The idea that I could download and run new software without physical media felt almost magical.

Almost a decade later, the Internet became available to consumers—for a price. A subscription that offered just two hours of access per week cost the equivalent of €200 at the time (nearly €450 today when adjusted for inflation). Coming from a modest family, affording such a luxury required action. So, at sixteen, I found my first job at an Internet Service Provider. The pay was secondary; the real reward was unlimited access to the Internet—an endless source of knowledge that I eagerly devoured.

Soon enough, I noticed how many people struggled to understand computers and the emerging digital world. Determined to help, I opened a computer repair shop and launched courses in "digital literacy." By blending storytelling and roleplay into my lessons, I created a unique teaching style that resonated with my students. This approach ultimately led to an opportunity to teach informatics as part of a regional government program aimed at closing the digital divide.

My writing journey soon followed. After contributing to local magazines, my work caught the eye of Italy’s largest IT publisher. There, I refined my writing and design skills, learning invaluable lessons in clarity, engagement, and precision.

It was during this period that I made a pivotal realization: technical expertise alone wasn’t enough. True excellence requires a broader set of skills, often in unexpected areas. With this in mind, I set out on a lifelong path of learning and self-improvement—exploring diverse subjects, traveling, competing in public examinations, and immersing myself in various facets of business and technology.

I began to see that my relentless focus on technical mastery had overlooked a critical element: the human experience. To fill this gap, I sought out projects that would deepen my understanding of user experience, design thinking, and problem-solving from a broader perspective.

This journey took me to unexpected places. But more importantly, it transformed how I approached complex challenges. The diverse experiences I gathered allowed me to see patterns, connect ideas, and develop solutions in ways that would have been impossible had I confined myself to technical skills alone.

Curiosity had led me here—and it continues to push me forward, reminding me that true mastery lies in embracing both the technical and the human sides of every challenge.

However, I'm a man of action, so let's move from the layer of abstraction to one of practicality.

7 Strategies for Lifelong Learning and Growth

Reflecting on this journey, several key strategies emerge—approaches that anyone can follow to cultivate curiosity, expand their skill set, and develop a broader perspective on problem-solving.

1. Pursue What Excites You

Curiosity thrives on passion. Identify topics that fascinate you, no matter how niche or unconventional. Enthusiasm will naturally drive you to explore and expand your understanding.

Action Plan: Create a "Curiosity List." Write down subjects that intrigue you. Dedicate 30 minutes a week to exploring one of these topics, whether through reading, tutorials, or podcasts.

2. Embrace Practical Learning

Hands-on experience deepens understanding. Whether it's coding, repairing hardware, or testing new software, actively working with technology fosters insight that theory alone cannot provide.

Action Plan: Identify one skill you’re interested in mastering. Break it into small, actionable steps and commit to practicing consistently.

3. Seek Real-World Challenges

Putting your skills to the test in real-life situations accelerates growth. From freelance work to volunteering, practical challenges force you to adapt and refine your approach.

Action Plan: Identify a community or local group that could benefit from your skills. Offer your services to help solve their challenges.

4. Share Knowledge Through Teaching

Teaching solidifies your own learning. Explaining complex topics in simpler terms forces you to deepen your understanding.

Action Plan: Start by sharing what you know with friends, family, or online communities. Even informal teaching helps build this powerful skill. Also consider volunteering in education: the world needs good people willing to help others.

5. Embrace Diverse Learning Sources

Relying on one method limits your perspective. Books, online resources, mentors, and even unconventional sources like games or fiction can reveal unexpected insights.

Action Plan: Select two new learning sources for each subject you explore. Mixing traditional education with alternative methods often sparks greater insight.

6. Balance Technical Mastery with Human-Centered Skills

Technical expertise is essential, but understanding user needs, behaviors, and emotions elevates your ability to create impactful solutions.

Action Plan: Study fields like psychology, storytelling, or design thinking alongside your technical learning. This combination drives innovation.

7. Stay Adaptable and Open to Change

Curiosity demands flexibility. Embracing change enables you to shift strategies, explore new ideas, and remain relevant in rapidly evolving industries.

Action Plan: Commit to stepping outside your comfort zone at least once a month. Whether it’s learning a new tool, exploring a new industry, or traveling, fresh experiences will fuel your growth.

I think anyone can build a mindset of curiosity and adaptability—unlocking opportunities that technical mastery alone may never reveal. For me this happened to be an effective strategy, and perhaps it will be the same for you as well.