Curiosity Through Characters: Learning to Ask Better Questions

We have a new episode on the Rooted Minds Podcast. I'm Alyssa Strauss, and today we're exploring a topic that's central to both learning and human connection: teaching curiosity through literature.

The Power of Deep Questions

Have you ever noticed how some questions just scratch the surface, while others open up whole new worlds of understanding? That's what we're diving into today – how stories and the characters we meet in them can teach us to ask better, deeper questions about the world and people around us.

Stories as Windows to Understanding

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to fall into the trap of quick judgments and surface-level observations. But stories – whether they're found in classic literature, contemporary novels, or even in the everyday narratives we share – have this amazing ability to slow us down and show us that there's always more beneath the surface.

Learning from Fictional Characters

Today, we'll explore how fictional characters can model curiosity for us, teaching us to look beyond our first impressions and ask questions that lead to genuine understanding. We'll discuss practical ways to develop better questioning skills and how these skills can transform our relationships and deepen our understanding of both stories and the real people in our lives.

Join the Journey

So grab your favorite book, settle in, and let's discover how stories can help us become more thoughtful, curious, and connected human beings by teaching curiosity through literature.

The Power of Literary Role Models

When we dive into great literature, we're not just reading words on a page - we're developing one of the most essential life skills: curiosity. Through characters like Anne Shirley's wonder at the world around her, or Sherlock Holmes's methodical questioning, stories show us different ways to be curious about the world and the people around us.

Questions from the Heart

Literature teaches us that good questions often come from a place of genuine interest rather than mere information-gathering. When we read about characters like Scout Finch trying to understand her neighbors in To Kill a Mockingbird, we learn how to look beyond surface-level judgments and ask questions that reveal the deeper stories of people's lives.

Timing and Context Matter

Stories also demonstrate the art of timing and context in asking questions. They show us when to probe deeper and when to give space, when to be direct and when to approach topics indirectly. Through narrative, we see how different questioning styles can either open up or shut down meaningful conversations.

The Empathy Connection

Perhaps most importantly, great literature shows us that the best questions often come from a place of empathy. When we truly care about understanding another person's perspective or experience, our questions naturally become more thoughtful and meaningful.

From Page to Practice

By paying attention to how authors craft these moments of discovery and revelation through their characters, we can learn to be more intentional and effective in our own questioning. This skill transfers directly to our real-world interactions, helping us build deeper connections and better understanding with the people in our lives.

Alyssa Strauss

Alyssa is a high school senior, who has been homeschooled her whole life. She spends her time in things that are creative and unexpected. She loves painting and drawing. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. You’ll find her curled up with a book and an oat milk latte! Above all, Alyssa loves her God, and strives to be more like him every day.