And it's not just about technology. He learned how to fly a plane. He played bass in a country western band. He's the one who introduced me to video games, a very rare thing for a Gen Y'er.

I think at least some of his curiosity comes from a very positive attitude. Dad is overall a very positive guy. He taught all his six kids that we could go out and do whatever we wanted to do with our lives, as long as we were willing to work for it. He demanded excellence from us, but through positive reinforcement. You didn't get “punished” if you didn't live up to some imaginary standard. Instead, he praised you for working hard because he knew you were trying, and that made you want to try even more.

Once you start getting negative, you learn to shy away from the new. New = scary. But if it's okay to make mistakes and no one puts you down for trying new things, you'll be more willing to stay curious longer.

With me it's just a time/hassle thing. When I want something and can see a benefit, I'm all over getting it and using it. When I don't feel like I need it (I already know my way around most places) then I'm a laggard. I like that word and just stole it from you

Interesting perspective. I think it's true that kids give their curiosity more free rein, and they have less fear about new things. But another factor for adults is motivation. If we need it badly enough, we'll put in the effort to learn and figure it out. Otherwise, we've got too many other things we're focused on. For kids it's the same, whatever's interesting to them gets attention, but they are still figuring out exactly what they want to focus on the most.

Linda