What are Naval Ravikant's views on the 'protection of curiosity'?

Regarding Naval's perspective on "protecting curiosity," this is indeed a core and fascinating aspect of his philosophy.

Think of it this way: Naval believes curiosity isn't something that needs to be cultivated later in life, but rather an innate quality we must fiercely guard.

Imagine children – they question everything about the world: "Why is the sky blue?" "Why are wheels round?"... That intrinsic drive to explore is the purest form of curiosity. Yet, as we grow up, especially within the educational system, this precious curiosity gradually gets eroded.

Naval’s views on "protecting curiosity" can be summarized into the following points, explained in plain language:

1. Break Free from the Shackles of the "School Mindset"

This is crucial. Naval frequently criticizes traditional education.

The Problem: School dictates a curriculum: "Study math now," "Read this classic next period," regardless of your interest. Learning morphs from an active exploration into a passive chore. For grades and advancement, you're forced to memorize things you feel no connection to. Over time, learning becomes synonymous with "pain," "boredom," and "tasks."
How to Protect: Naval’s advice: “Read what you love until you love to read.” Forget "must-read" lists or "classics" you feel obligated to read. Start with what genuinely interests you – comics, web novels, game guides, whatever! Rekindle the equation: "active learning = joy." Once you rediscover the pleasure of reading, you'll naturally explore wider fields.

2. Follow Your "Genuine" Curiosity, Not Societal "Trends"

Society constantly signals what's "hot" or "promising," like AI or blockchain.

The Problem: Learning something merely because "everyone else is doing it" turns it into a slog. It's inefficient, and you're unlikely to match the depth of those truly passionate about it. This too is obligation-driven learning, imposed from the outside.
How to Protect: Resolutely pursue what lights a fire within you, even if it's niche or "useless." Perhaps you're fascinated by Song dynasty porcelain, Latin American butterflies, or an obscure programming language. Naval argues that this intrinsic passion is your true engine for learning. Deep diving into your genuine obsessions builds "Specific Knowledge" that others can't easily replicate, ultimately yielding unexpected rewards.

3. Frame Learning as "Play," Not "Work"

Naval offers an excellent litmus test: If something feels like play to you but looks like work to others, take it seriously.

Example: Someone spending hours on weekends analyzing stock reports isn't working; they're happily playing. Another person finds reading financials pure drudgery.
How to Protect: Find your "playground." Don't view learning as a "self-improvement" grind. It should be light and enjoyable. When you explore driven by curiosity, you won't notice time passing – that's the optimal state. Protecting curiosity means allowing yourself to "play," investing time in seemingly trivial passions.

4. Abandon the Obsession with "Immediate Returns"

We habitually ask, "What's the use of learning this? Will it get me a job? Can I make money?"

The Problem: This utilitarianism kills curiosity. Focusing only on "useful" knowledge narrows your boundaries. Moreover, the true value of much knowledge is delayed and nonlinear.
How to Protect: Learn for learning's sake. Learn for the joy it brings. When you explore widely driven by pure curiosity, these knowledge points will connect in unexpected ways later, creating opportunities. This organic approach is far more powerful than a predetermined "career path."

To Summarize

For Naval, "protecting curiosity" is a lifestyle choice and attitude. It means:

Reject Passivity: Actively choose what to learn; don't let school, society, or trends decide.
Be Authentic: Trust your genuine interests, even if they seem odd or "useless."
Enjoy the Journey: Treat learning like an engaging game, not a burdensome task.
Patience: Forget trying to monetize knowledge instantly; let it "ferment" naturally.

Essentially, it’s about not letting our busy, results-driven world extinguish the innate fire within us, aglow with questions about the world. Protect it, and it will illuminate your path.