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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Lifestyle
Sarah Lumley

David Attenborough and Professor Brian Cox named as most curious thinkers of all time

David Attenborough, Professor Brian Cox, and Louis Theroux have been named as the top most curious thinkers of all time, according to Brits.

Broadcaster and adventurer Ben Fogle, and business magnate Richard Branson also ranked among the top 10 greatest curious thinkers.

And late greats including John Lennon, Terry Pratchett, and even father of evolution, Charles Darwin, further appeared on the top 30 list.

A poll of 2,000 adults found that almost half (49%), of those aged 18-34, feel such role models could inspire them to be curious thinkers, too.

And despite 54% feeling as though their curiosity has lulled over the last two years, 84% are still keen to learn.

In fact, half of those polled see this eagerness to learn as the top sign of a curious thinker – along with voluntarily learning a new skill (48%), and asking lots of questions (71%).

The top signs of curious thinking include asking lots of questions, and voluntarily learning a new skill (PinPep)

For those whose curiosity has stalled, the most common reasons for this are getting older (38%), or feeling an overload of information from the internet and media alike (24%).

However, three in ten (31%) wish to be more inquisitive over life and its pleasures, with this rising to nearly half (46%) of Gen Z.

And when it comes to perception by others, curiosity is most commonly seen as being inquisitive (41%), imaginative (35%), and creative (34%).

To help inspire the nation, and encourage them to “re-wild” their curiosity, Hendrick’s Gin, which commissioned the research, has unveiled its “Curious Idols” on London’s South Bank.

A collective of three sculptures, each theatrical piece of art immortalises one of the inquisitive minds shaping this century, and is inspired by their passions and wonders.

Actress Patricia Allison, writer Alice Vincent, and the drag queen gardener, Daisy Desire, were chosen for their collective love of pushing boundaries and willingness to explore life.

Commenting on her Curious Idol installation, Patricia Allison said: “My love for theatre, film, and performance has always been a way for me to further my artistry, and deepen my curiosity about human nature and our surroundings.

“I’ve always loved having the freedom to explore different realms of self-expression, so I’m delighted that Hendrick’s new campaign focuses on that same curiosity within all of us, and has given me a wonderful opportunity to bring this feeling to more people in a somewhat meaningful and accessible format, to help inspire more self-reflection in our society.”

Other household names that made the top 30 curious thinkers list include Gen Z rated film-maker Christopher Nolan, artist David Hockney, and author Dolly Alderton.

The Curious Idols sculptures are now on display at London's South Bank (PinPep)

When it comes to these curious minds, the study, via OnePoll.com, uncovered that a third (33%) believe they should be celebrated – as 52% of young adults, aged 18-34, feel they could learn from these icons how to be more confident.

It also emerged that exactly half of the public are most curious about nature and people, alongside history (47%) and travel (46%).

But three in ten (31%) would like to be more curious about things in general, and 40% think people should be encouraged to do this more often.

The poll also revealed 23% believe the internet has decreased the nation’s curiosity, as we have “the answers at our fingertips” – a belief most commonly held by people aged 18-34.

James Keen, for Hendrick’s, which is displaying The Curious Idols from June 13-18, 2023, on Bernie Spain Gardens, said: “Curiosity can come in all shapes and sizes, but it’s that fundamental love of seeking out new thinking and experiences that unites our passion.

“It’s interesting as the research found nature has such a profound impact on the nation to explore – and likewise, the wonders of flora and pollinators is something that vastly inspires us at Hendrick’s Gin, and was even the inspiration behind our new limited-release gin, Flora Adora.

“With our Curious Idols, we want to help the public re-wild their curiosity, and start to embrace the importance of inquisitiveness within everything they do.”

THE TOP 20 SIGNS OF A CURIOUS THINKER:

  1. Asking lots of questions
  2. Studying in your spare time
  3. Learning new skills voluntarily
  4. Asking “why” until you’re happy with the answer
  5. Seeking inspiration from nature and/or the outdoors
  6. Unconventional thinking
  7. Living unconventionally or “unusually”
  8. Expressing yourself easily
  9. Reading fiction
  10. Reading non-fiction
  11. Watching documentaries
  12. Being interested in travelling
  13. A love of problem-solving
  14. Looking at all sides of a story
  15. Working in a creative job
  16. Generally being creative
  17. Being interested in hearing what others think, and staying open to different points of view
  18. Listening to podcasts
  19. Being keen to learn
  20. Being interested in the past

THE 30 MOST CURIOUS THINKERS, THEN AND NOW:

  1. David Attenborough – broadcaster, writer, and naturalist
  2. Professor Brian Cox – physicist and musician
  3. Louis Theroux – documentary film maker
  4. Charles Darwin – English naturalist, theory of evolution
  5. Ben Fogle – broadcaster, writer, and adventurer
  6. Richard Branson – business magnate, investor, and entrepreneur
  7. Jon Snow – journalist and TV presenter
  8. Banksy – anonymous graffiti artist
  9. Brian May – musician and astrophysicist
  10. Terry Pratchett – satirist and fantasy novel author
  11. Grayson Perry – artist
  12. John Lennon – one of The Beatles
  13. Danny Boyle – director and producer
  14. Salman Rushdie – novelist
  15. Damien Hirst – artist
  16. Stella McCartney – fashion designer and animal rights campaigner
  17. David Hockney – artist
  18. Christopher Nolan – film maker
  19. Steven Bartlett – entrepreneur
  20. Tracey Emin – artist
  21. Neil Gaiman – writer
  22. Richard Ayoade – actor and comedian
  23. Joe Lycett – comedian and TV presenter
  24. Ian McEwan – novelist and screenwriter
  25. Noel Fielding – actor, comedian, and TV presenter
  26. Sacha Baron Cohen – actor, comedian, and producer
  27. Zadie Smith – novelist and essayist
  28. Yoko Ono – artist, and wife of John Lennon
  29. Elton John – singer, composer, and pianist
  30. Dolly Alderton – journalist, author, and podcaster

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