Isn’t it ironic that the one skill AI doesn’t have is the very skill it can help you develop within yourself? Artificial intelligence like ChatGPT doesn’t question things just because it’s curious. Yet these tools can help grow your curiosity, which makes you more adaptable, creative, and valuable at work. Research from the World Economic Forum shows curiosity is one of the top skills employers will demand soon. As AI takes over routine tasks, curiosity will separate those who get stuck from those who move forward. AI can fuel your curiosity in ways you might not expect. Here are ten practical ways, each tied to a key insight from classic curiosity-based books, to help you build your curiosity.
1. How AI Encourages You To Ask Better Questions And Build Curiosity
In Carol Dweck’s book, Mindset, she shows that a growth mindset depends on embracing challenges and asking better questions to learn and improve. ChatGPT models this by pushing you beyond surface answers to discover more depth to what you intended to learn initially. For example, if you ask about improving team communication, it encourages you to consider hidden barriers and different communication styles, fostering curiosity through better questioning.
Try this with ChatGPT:
“I want to improve how my team communicates. What are some thoughtful questions I can ask to uncover hidden challenges and encourage open dialogue?”
You’ll receive prompts that help you practice framing better questions, leading to deeper conversations and solutions.
2. How AI Builds Curiosity By Introducing Diverse Perspectives And Expanding Your Range
David Epstein’s book, Range, argues that broad knowledge and diverse experiences lead to better problem-solving and creativity. ChatGPT supports this by offering insights from many disciplines, including psychology, marketing, sports, and history. It helps you connect ideas across fields and expand your curiosity.
Try this with ChatGPT:
“What are different leadership approaches used in sports, business, and psychology? How can these perspectives help me lead my team better?”
This opens new angles and enriches your curiosity.
3. How AI Creates A Safe Space To Explore Any Question And Grow Curiosity
In Simon Sinek’s book, Start With Why, he emphasizes the importance of psychological safety for asking meaningful questions. ChatGPT provides a judgment-free space where you can freely explore any question, no matter how simple or complex. This safe environment builds confidence and nurtures curiosity without social risk.
Try this with ChatGPT:
“Explain the concept of ‘blockchain’ in simple terms. What questions should I ask to understand it better for my role?”
ChatGPT breaks it down and helps you identify useful follow-up questions.
4. How AI Supports Curiosity By Helping You Try Ideas Quickly And Learn From Feedback
David Kolb’s book, Experiential Learning, emphasizes that real learning happens through a cycle of experience, reflection, and active experimentation. ChatGPT enables this process by letting you test ideas, get instant feedback, and adjust quickly. This rapid back-and-forth process mimics Kolb’s learning cycle and keeps your curiosity alive by making exploration dynamic and hands-on.
Try this with ChatGPT:
“Here is my idea for improving our onboarding process [briefly describe]. Can you suggest improvements or potential challenges I haven’t thought about?”
This interactive feedback helps you refine your ideas and deepen your curiosity.
5. How AI Builds Curiosity By Surfacing Assumptions You Didn’t Notice
In Peter Senge’s book, The Fifth Discipline, he highlights how challenging mental models is critical for learning. ChatGPT helps by presenting facts and examples that question your assumptions, like showing studies that contradict your beliefs about remote work. This challenges your thinking and awakens curiosity to understand why your assumptions might be flawed.
Try this with ChatGPT:
“Are there studies showing remote work improves productivity? What factors influence the results?”
This encourages you to rethink your assumptions.
6. How AI Builds Personalized Curiosity Tailored To Your Role And Interests
Angela Duckworth’s book, Grit, focuses on passion and perseverance but also emphasizes working toward goals that matter personally. ChatGPT personalizes information and learning paths relevant to your job or interests, making curiosity feel meaningful and worth pursuing.
Try this with ChatGPT:
“What are the emerging trends in digital marketing for small businesses in 2025?”
This targeted information makes curiosity easier to sustain.
7. How AI Sparks Curiosity Through Imaginative ‘What If’ Scenarios
Edward de Bono’s book, Lateral Thinking, shows how breaking out of linear thinking stimulates innovation. ChatGPT helps you imagine “what if” scenarios to challenge the status quo and open your mind to new ideas, key for curious exploration.
Try this with ChatGPT:
“What if our product was offered as a subscription service? What are the advantages and challenges we might face?”
This questioning sparks creative curiosity.
8. How AI Encourages Curiosity By Prompting Critical Thinking And Verification
Nassim Taleb’s book, The Black Swan, underscores the limits of knowledge and the importance of questioning assumptions. Taleb points out that people often focus on what they know without questioning it, which harms critical thinking. ChatGPT’s occasional inaccuracies encourage you to verify and critically evaluate information rather than accept it at face value, sharpening your curiosity to seek deeper understanding.
Try this with ChatGPT:
“Can you provide sources or recent studies about the impact of AI on employee productivity?”
Then look up the studies yourself to deepen your understanding.
9. How AI Builds Career Curiosity By Helping You Discover Paths You May Not Have Considered
In Cal Newport’s book, So Good They Can’t Ignore You, he highlights exploring career options thoughtfully by building rare skills. ChatGPT helps you explore roles and skills related to your background that you may not have considered, expanding your curiosity about where your career can go.
Try this with ChatGPT:
“Based on my experience in project management and interest in technology, what are some emerging roles or skills I should consider?”
You’ll get fresh ideas to explore.
10. How AI Builds Learning Curiosity By Making Complex Topics Easier To Start
In Brené Brown’s book, Dare to Lead, she speaks to vulnerability and the courage to begin. ChatGPT breaks down complex subjects simply and suggests next steps, lowering the barrier to start learning and helping curiosity flow naturally from that first brave step.
Try this with ChatGPT:
“I want to learn about data analytics basics. Can you explain the key concepts and recommend beginner-friendly resources?”
This makes learning approachable and actionable.
Curiosity Is The Skill AI Cannot Replace
AI will keep getting smarter and automating more tasks. But it will never replace your curiosity. That drive to ask questions, explore ideas, and imagine possibilities is uniquely human. Using AI to grow your curiosity makes you more adaptable and valuable. Curiosity is the skill that will keep you relevant as work changes. These ten approaches, inspired by leading books, show how you can use AI to build curiosity that helps you thrive now and in the future.