The Power of Curiosity: Lessons from an O&P Pioneer

My friend was born in a small town in the Midwest and has an innate ability to fix farm equipment. He was always helping the neighbors and was known for his curiosity. His journey into O&P was sparked by a childhood friend who lost a leg in a farming accident. This not only shaped his career choice but also his life philosophy. His academic journey took him through NUPOC, where he graduated with honors. His early career was marked by innovation; he developed lightweight components that significantly improved mobility for and device acceptance by amputees. His designs were not just functional but also attractive. 

At his clinic, he was more than just a boss; he was a mentor, a friend, and often, a confidant. He would spend hours listening to his employees' stories, their dreams, and their struggles. His office was always open, not just for professional consultations but for anyone needing to talk. 

His legacy in the field of orthotics and prosthetics is undeniable. His designs have helped countless individuals regain mobility and confidence. But to those who knew him personally, his legacy was in the lives he touched through his genuine interest and care. 

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and short attention spans are driving us toward the need to be interesting – to be loud, bold, a “headline-maker.” As a culture, we tend to celebrate accomplishments, to emulate others we see as successful, and often associate that recognition with success.  Don’t get me wrong, innovation, curiosity, and competence are strong traits that can lead to amazing things. 

I was at a funeral- no, a celebration of life- over the weekend, and a grandson was telling a story about his grandmother.  As he was finishing his remembrance, he concluded with the sentiment that she lived an “interested life” and did not try to live an “interesting life.”  Those words reminded me of my friend. 

He was genuinely interested in those around him, and there is profound value in choosing to live a humble life. It isn't about lacking ambition; rather, it's about shifting the focus from self-promotion to serving others.  Dale Carnegie said, "You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you." Far be it from me to disagree with Dale Carnegie, but I think the point is not to make friends.  That is shallow.  The point is to approach relationships with a true desire to understand that person.  To be curious.  To be interested.  My Friend, like the grandmother, prioritized understanding others over being understood. This approach fostered deep, meaningful relationships, and the friends and family felt genuinely valued and heard.  You can not fake this.  

Being “interested” does not mean you can’t be “interesting.”  In fact, I think the more sincere you are at being interested, the more likely it is that you will be interesting.  It was that curiosity that followed them both through their lives.  The grandson is a writer and his audience is primarily men’s health enthusiasts, NASCAR fans, and similar genres.  Not topics a typical 90-year-old preacher’s wife would typically read.  But she did.  And she talked with him about everything he wrote. You could say well yea, it’s her grandson.  But at the funeral, there were countless similar stories we heard.  And her personal accomplishments were incredible (she was a high school English teacher). 

So, as we go through the daily hustle and bustle, let's not forget the profound impact we can have simply by being interested in others.