I like to think that I’ve always been a somewhat curious person, but through my participation in Leadership Calgary in 2009, I was challenged to take it up a notch, to broaden my focus and deepen my analysis. I was surprised by how enjoyable exploring new ideas could be. Like the child who frustratingly asks “…but why?” to every explanation his parent tries to offer, I discovered a bottomless well of questions—an unending line of inquiry.

Todd Kashdan’s book “Curious?” is about the joys of exploring new ideas and activities. Curiosity, Kashdan claims, is a key ingredient for a meaningful and fulfilling life. The problem, he argues, is that we spend too much time pursuing happiness, and not enough energy trying new things. Curious people end up being happier and healthier.

Looking to spice up a romance? Try ballroom dancing, or skydiving, together. Anything will work except your old routine: dinner and a movie. Work is drudgery? Learn to find the unfamiliar in the familiar. The book is full of tips, tricks and ‘hacks’ to get the curious juices flowing if you happen to be one of the multitude who are content with comfortable surroundings.

Given that Kashdan is an academic, and not a journalist, I was expecting the book to be much dryer than it was. Much of the time it borders on self-help, offering advice on how to find meaning in life, work and relationships. But the tone is positive and energetic, and thoroughly accessible. There is, after all, so much to discover.