By Gerry Spence
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
“I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief.” This powerful Gerry Spence quote about curiosity cuts right to the heart of intellectual freedom and embraces the idea of lifelong learning. Wonder is what keeps discovery alive. When we approach life with curiosity, we make room for growth, change, and a more colorful understanding of the world. This quote invites us to reflect on whether we let our thinking expand, or whether we hold ourselves back. It’s a gentle nudge to value the open questions just as much as the answers.
What Does This Quote Mean?
At its core, this Gerry Spence quote about curiosity contrasts two ways of thinking. On one side is a mind that remains “opened by wonder”: a curious, flexible mindset that is always ready to explore, learn, and be amazed. On the other side is a mind “closed by belief”: a view of the world that is rigid, unwilling to reconsider, and often less open to new ideas.
Literally, the quote says that it is better to keep your mind open to new ideas instead of letting solid, set beliefs shut down the possibility of learning. Spence is not attacking belief itself, but reminding us that when belief becomes absolute, it can block out fresh experiences and insights. If we are overly attached to certainty, we stop wondering, questioning, or hoping for a deeper understanding.
Metaphorically, the quote goes even deeper. It suggests that wonder is a spark for growth, change, and wisdom. When our minds are open to wonder, we are more likely to explore unfamiliar topics, connect with people from different backgrounds, and adapt as the world evolves around us. It’s about having the courage to admit what we do not know and to accept that our knowledge will never be complete.
Ultimately, the quote encourages letting awe and curiosity be our guides, rather than letting the comfort of established beliefs narrow our vision. It asks us to see the value in questions, not just answers, and to trust that curiosity keeps us truly alive and engaged.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Question Your Assumptions
It’s easy to assume that what you believe right now is the final answer. But this quote is a push to check in with your own thinking. Whether it’s your opinion about a person, a political stance, or even what you think is your path in life, take a step back and ask: Could there be more to learn? Staying curious may lead you to new solutions and richer perspectives.
2. Stay Curious in Everyday Conversations
When listening to someone whose viewpoint is different from yours, pause before jumping to counter or defend your own beliefs. Respond with a question instead of an argument. Ask, “Why do you see it that way?” or “What made you come to that conclusion?” Let wonder, not judgment, shape your connection.
3. Try Something Unfamiliar
Curiosity can be a driving force in daily life, not just in grand philosophies. When you find yourself tempted to turn something down just because it feels strange or uncomfortable, use this Gerry Spence quote about curiosity as a reminder. Try that new food, visit that museum, learn a skill you thought wasn’t “for you.” Growth and joy often come from the unknown.
4. Challenge Groupthink
At work or in your circle of friends, it can feel easier to agree with the majority than to speak up. But when everyone holds on tightly to a single belief, creativity and innovation suffer. Ask questions, offer a different angle, or play “devil’s advocate” in a respectful way. Opening the group to wonder can lead to breakthrough ideas.
5. Let Yourself Change
It takes courage to admit when you were wrong or when your views have shifted. Remind yourself that it’s not a failure—it’s a victory for curiosity and open-mindedness. Celebrate evolving perspectives instead of seeing them as embarrassing or weak.
Bringing this quote to life means staying open to the possibility that you don’t know everything (nobody does!), and using that realization as the launchpad for new experiences, deeper relationships, and ongoing learning.
The Motivation Message
You have a natural fire inside you for discovery—don’t let anyone dim it! The world is bursting with mysteries and surprises, just waiting for someone with an open mind to notice them. When you choose curiosity over certainty, you give yourself the freedom to explore, grow, and change. This is not just about smarts—it’s about excitement and courage!
Remember, you are not locked into your beliefs. You’re allowed to ask “why?”, to wonder, and even to doubt. Every time you ask a question or push past your comfort zone, you become braver and wiser. Let your sense of wonder be your compass, and you’ll find doors where others see only walls! 🌱
So take up the challenge: today, let wonder lead you wherever you go! The adventure of learning never ends—and you’re exactly the right person to take it on.
About Gerry Spence
Gerry Spence, who was born in 1929, is a celebrated American trial lawyer, author, and speaker best known for his passionate defense of individual rights and his deep respect for curiosity and truth. Spence grew up in rural Wyoming, developing a love for open thinking and clear communication that shaped his career. Over decades in the courtroom, he gained a reputation for representing “the little guy” against powerful interests and for weaving a sense of wonder into his arguments and writings.
Beyond his legal achievements, Gerry Spence’s worldview centers on questioning the status quo and refusing to accept ideas just because they are popular or traditional. His books, lectures, and interviews often encourage readers to keep questioning and to keep learning, no matter their age or experience. This quote perfectly reflects Spence’s broader message: lasting wisdom comes not from dogma, but from the courage to wonder and the openness to reconsider. Through his life and work, he reminds us that a mind awakened by curiosity is always ready for the unexpected gifts the world has to offer.
