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%).
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.
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:
- Asking lots of questions
- Studying in your spare time
- Learning new skills voluntarily
- Asking “why” until you’re happy with the answer
- Seeking inspiration from nature and/or the outdoors
- Unconventional thinking
- Living unconventionally or “unusually”
- Expressing yourself easily
- Reading fiction
- Reading non-fiction
- Watching documentaries
- Being interested in travelling
- A love of problem-solving
- Looking at all sides of a story
- Working in a creative job
- Generally being creative
- Being interested in hearing what others think, and staying open to different points of view
- Listening to podcasts
- Being keen to learn
- Being interested in the past
THE 30 MOST CURIOUS THINKERS, THEN AND NOW:
- David Attenborough – broadcaster, writer, and naturalist
- Professor Brian Cox – physicist and musician
- Louis Theroux – documentary film maker
- Charles Darwin – English naturalist, theory of evolution
- Ben Fogle – broadcaster, writer, and adventurer
- Richard Branson – business magnate, investor, and entrepreneur
- Jon Snow – journalist and TV presenter
- Banksy – anonymous graffiti artist
- Brian May – musician and astrophysicist
- Terry Pratchett – satirist and fantasy novel author
- Grayson Perry – artist
- John Lennon – one of The Beatles
- Danny Boyle – director and producer
- Salman Rushdie – novelist
- Damien Hirst – artist
- Stella McCartney – fashion designer and animal rights campaigner
- David Hockney – artist
- Christopher Nolan – film maker
- Steven Bartlett – entrepreneur
- Tracey Emin – artist
- Neil Gaiman – writer
- Richard Ayoade – actor and comedian
- Joe Lycett – comedian and TV presenter
- Ian McEwan – novelist and screenwriter
- Noel Fielding – actor, comedian, and TV presenter
- Sacha Baron Cohen – actor, comedian, and producer
- Zadie Smith – novelist and essayist
- Yoko Ono – artist, and wife of John Lennon
- Elton John – singer, composer, and pianist
- Dolly Alderton – journalist, author, and podcaster
