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Hello Dear Readers, Welcome back to the weekly Sunday Synapse. This week a warm welcome to the thousands of new subscribers across the world. In this space, together we explore ideas that make us think. The ideas in these letters aim to help us become more intellectual thinkers. As we learn to become aware of our thoughts, we can apply information sophisticatedly. If we do this consistently it will improve our social and psychological well-being. I do not claim to know more than you. I just know something different. If you find my ideas logical that is good, I am doing okay. If you disagree, this is also fine. Except let me remind you, that you better back yourself up logically about why you disagree. I am also on a learning journey. Hold your thoughts accountable. We do not do enough of that in our modern world. *Underlined content are links As I share my thoughts and ideas publicly, I am automatically putting myself in a position to be judged. This is not easy to do. However, I want to improve my thinking, and putting my ideas out there means they will be critiqued. While this is incredibly uncomfortable at times, this is the best way for us to grow as it triggers the deepest of reflections. Intellectual progress is fast-tracked with deep, uncomfortable reflection. Never EVER forget this. Do not underestimate the power of the social world in shaping who you can become. If it’s capable of negatively affecting you, it’s equally capable of making you the best version of yourself. I’m here to advocate for using the social world for our psychological benefit. Let’s get into it. Thought 1: Philosophical Quote "Curiosity is the very basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity killed the cat, I say only the cat died nobly." — George Loewenstein (Behhavioral Economist and psychologist).
This week’s quote suggests that where there is a knowledge gap, our curiosity will attempt to fill it. And so it should. Loewenstein pioneered the merging of knowledges between economics and psychology and is particularly recognised for his research in curiosity, decision-making, and behavioural economics. He introduced his “information gap” theory being one of his most influential contributions. Look him up! Engaging with information at its peak relevance boosts memory retention. I never miss an opportunity to explore an intellectual rabbit hole. Since adopting this cognitive habit, I can easily recall names, titles, and ideas when needed. Thought 2
Curiosity and The Knowledge Gap To think critically, we need curiosity to fill our knowledge gaps. There is no other way. Knowledge Gaps and Assumptions One of the core elements of critical thinking (CT) is the ability to think broadly, drawing upon knowledge from various sources. This sophisticated application of diversity of thought enables us to make intelligent assumptions, a natural part of how we function. Most of us don’t have an extensive pool of knowledge to draw from, and often we know what we have been exposed to. So, we all have gaps in our understanding. We spend most of our day making assumptions—which are quick, often necessary judgements that help us make decisions. In today's world of constant information overload, we're flooded with so much content that we're making assumptions at every turn. We are lost in the chaotic maze of constant knowledge gaps, where our assumptions fill the void faster than understanding can catch up. So, the issue arises when we make assumptions about important matters without sufficient or reliable knowledge. Assumptions themselves are not the problem; it is the foundation upon which they are made that matters. A person using CT tries not to make unintelligent sweeping assumptions and instead will recognise the limits of their own knowledge or their “knowledge gaps”. We all have them but for those who want to have better conversations and solve actual problems, we need to become better at regularly saying, “I don’t know enough to draw a conclusion,”. This is a hallmark of intelligent thinking. By making this explicit, we can leave space for new information to come in. On the other hand, those who frequently make misguided assumptions are often unaware of their knowledge gaps, tend to be rigid and show little to no curiosity. They proceed without the necessary information and react impulsively, often driven by bias rather than wanting to learn more to fill gaps in their knowledge. You can easily recognise those who will likely advance in their thinking over time—they are the ones who ask questions and consistently attempt to show what I call ‘knowledge humility.’ In contrast, it’s also simple to spot rigid problematic thinkers, especially when they encounter topics they are emotionally invested in. We are all susceptible to this; we may be flexible and open about certain subjects, yet become rigid and closed when something stirs strong emotions. When we are emotionally attached, we are less likely to accept new information, even if it could benefit us. Curiosity as an Intellectual Catalyst Curiosity is essential in preventing these problematic assumptions. It places us in a position of wanting to know more, and that desire for understanding is a powerful tool. George Loewenstein says that curiosity arises when there is a gap between what we know and what we want to know. This gap creates a sense of deprivation, motivating us to seek out the missing information. Loewenstein's ‘knowledge gap theory’ highlights that curiosity isn't driven by total ignorance but by an awareness that something is missing. The knowledge gap fuels a desire to fill in those gaps, leading to learning and intellectual engagement. In the modern world, however, the curiosity that helps fill intellectual knowledge gaps is under threat. We have become a society that expects everyone to know the right thing to say, immediately, which undermines the process of intellectual inquiry and genuinely humble, exploratory, and curious conversation. Genuine learning comes from asking questions about topics one knows little about, from admitting when we do not know something, and from seeking out answers. Unfortunately, curiosity is often now socially punished. If someone asks a question of a person from another culture even as simple as “Where are you from”, they may quickly be labeled as racist, rude, or insensitive when the intent was driven by curiosity. We live in a time where asking questions, particularly about important but also sensitive subjects, can lead to multiple people in the room being offended. Offence may have occurred in the past as well, but there was a greater social acceptance that such experiences are a natural part of being human and interacting with others. It also played a crucial role in creating the discomfort needed to confront one's own psychological weaknesses, pushing people to address these challenges head-on. Today, we are often expected to anticipate everyone’s emotional triggers—an impossible task—and when we fail, it’s labeled as ignorance, even if the intent was simply to learn more. This suppression of curiosity hinders intellectual growth and limits personal freedom. The Intersection of Intent and Offence As someone who teaches CT, I have one rule: I always evaluate the intent behind a question before deciding to take offence. Most of the time, people are simply curious—they’re not trying to offend but to learn. Because of this, I’m rarely offended. Living in Croatia, where I may even be the only Indian-looking person in town, I stand out in a predominantly. People take a double take more often and or ask where I’m from. Instead of taking offence, I view these moments as opportunities for connection and understanding. Curiosity about who I am and where I come from has led to some of the most meaningful conversations. I’ve had the chance to share my unique story, talk about my hybrid culture, and teach others. I filled a knowledge gap and now they do not have to continue to make unintelligent assumptions about what they think they know. Curiosity creates openings for learning and connection that would not exist if I had closed myself off to questions, even those that might initially feel uncomfortable. Curiosity and Adult Learning Curiosity is also integral to how adults learn. The field of andragogy, which studies adult learning, emphasises that personal curiosity is essential for intellectual transformation. When people are curious, they are more likely to engage with new ideas and reconsider their established beliefs. It is this openness that allows for real cognitive change. Preserving Curiosity in a Critical Thinking Society In a world where curiosity is often mistaken for ignorance, it is essential to protect it. Critical thinking cannot exist without the freedom to ask questions, to acknowledge gaps in our understanding, and seek better knowledge. Those who are too quick to take offence risk shutting down opportunities for meaningful dialogue. On the other hand, by examining intent before responding, we leave room for growth, both for ourselves and for those around us. When curiosity is met with openness rather than judgement, we create an environment where true learning can take place. It is in this environment that we become better thinkers—not by knowing everything, but by knowing how to ask the right questions and how to fill the gaps in our understanding with thoughtful inquiry. As members of my CT community, I would like you to commit to permitting curiosity always. Thought 3 CT Activity this Week: Recognising Knowledge Gaps This week, focus on recognising when emotions are blocking your ability to learn—especially when there could be a knowledge gap you're not fully acknowledging. Here's how you can actively practice this: Recognise Your Emotions: When you feel emotionally charged in a conversation, pause and be aware of the emotion (e.g., frustration, defensiveness). Reflect on whether it might be blocking your openness to learn. Acknowledge a Potential Knowledge Gap: Ask yourself, “Am I reacting this way because there’s something I don’t fully understand?” Stay Curious: Instead of resisting, choose to stay open. Ask questions and actively listen, even if the information challenges you. A good way to ask questions is to ask for more from the speaker. Like, “What has led you to think this way about this issue?” or, “I think differently, I wanted to understand why you think the way you do”. Embrace Curiosity in Yourself and Others: Instead of resisting, invite curiosity. Ask open-ended questions like, “What experiences shaped your view?” or “Can you explain how you arrived at this idea?” Reflect: After the conversation, reflect on whether your emotions hindered your openness. Did you notice a knowledge gap, and were you able to remain curious? Why or why not?
These practices help you become more aware of emotional resistance and encourage openness to learning. Remember, you must be assessing intent at the same time. If a person is intentionally trying to be offensive or rude, you can choose not to engage. I always use intention as my guide. We often take most comments personally despite it not being about us at all. Be aware of this. That is it for today! Please send me an email if you have any comments or feedback, or just to say hello! Until next week… Esha. References Loewenstein, G. (1994). The psychology of curiosity: A review and reinterpretation. Psychological Bulletin, 116(1), 75-98.
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