_____ 1 Intellectual curiosity is a desire for knowledge simply for its own sake---not to get a good grade, pass a test, get a diploma, or get ajob. 2 Intellectual curiosity prevents boredom and apathy---and bored, apathetic people are dreary people, to themselves and to others. 3 Such curiosity also broadens our horizons. 4 If we pursue only the knowledge that we think we need for "success," our possibilities will be limited. 5 Moreover, curiosity of the mind makes us versatile. 6 People with broad knowledge and wide interests can change the course of their work and activities if they need to---as they well might, given the rapid pace of change in our world---or simply if they want to. 7 Last, although practically is not its aim, intellectual curiosity can have practical advantages; at any time, any kind of knowledge may turn out to be useful to our happiness and growth in life.