Why? What Makes Us Curious—Mario Livio with Aatish Bhatia

Astrophysicist and author Mario Livio investigates the science behind human curiosity.

From Netflix dramas to neuroscience, curiosity lies at the heart of most human endeavors. Despite this, the scientific community has not come to a consensus about human curiosity. Why are human beings so curious? And why have scientists been unable to pinpoint what happens in the brain when someone acts curiously?

These mysteries led Mario Livio to write his new bookWhy? What Makes Us Curious, asking: What drives us to ask questions about the world and our role in it? Through interviews with scientists, as well as investigations into the lives of "curious geniuses" Leonardo da Vinci and Richard Feynman, he explores the sources and mechanisms of human curiosity.

Princeton University scientist and writer Aatish Bhatia joins Livio to discuss recent findings in the science of curiosity and how curiosity can be harnessed for creative and scientific gains. 

The discussion will be followed by Q&A.

FIRST COME, FIRST SEATED

Registration does not guarantee admission. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released 15 minutes before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A stand by line will form thirty minutes before the program.

The Program Room opens at 6 PM.