Introduction
Summary of the book Tracking Wonder by Jeffrey Davis. Before moving forward, let’s briefly explore the core idea of the book. Pause for a moment. When was the last time you noticed something so quietly extraordinary that it took your breath away? Perhaps it was the soft glow of moonlight across your bedroom floor, or the playful dance of a young child’s voice capturing everyone’s attention. Maybe it was the intricate design of a wooden chair that felt like a sculpture, waiting to be admired. These instances, often overlooked, can awaken an ancient spark inside us—the spark of wonder. Though we live in a world that rewards efficiency and multitasking, we still carry within us a childlike ability to be amazed. Wonder is not a frivolous escape; it’s a gateway to creativity, resilience, and authentic connection. This journey invites you to rediscover that innate gift. Through openness, curiosity, hope, and admiration, you can learn to track wonder’s footprints and experience life’s richness as you never have before.
Chapter 1: Journeying Into the Ancient Roots and Surprising Origins of Our Inborn Capacity for Wonder .
Imagine standing deep within a lush rainforest, where towering trees sway gently and streams of sunlight dance across leaves as delicate as a finely woven tapestry. In a remote corner of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream Game Reserve, long before you or I ever saw its green canopies, a legendary primatologist named Jane Goodall observed chimpanzees in ways that changed how we understand animal intelligence. This place later became known for something unexpected: a profound glimpse into the mysterious power of wonder itself. Among the branches and vines, one particular chimpanzee captured the attention of evolutionary biologists. Instead of simply foraging for fruit, defending his territory, or grooming another chimp, he did something entirely surprising. He ventured off the usual feeding trail and approached a magnificent waterfall. There, as the sound of cascading water filled the damp air, he paused, gazed, and displayed a behavior that left scientists both puzzled and inspired.
What this chimpanzee did next was not about survival or advantage. He simply stood and stared at the waterfall’s misty spray, occasionally beating his chest and letting out hoots that echoed through the forest. He returned day after day, as if spellbound by the thundering water. For scientists like Harold Bauer, who studied these chimps, and Marcus Conner, an anthropologist who interpreted such moments, it was a clue that creatures other than humans might also experience something like astonishment or awe. The chimp’s behavior had no obvious practical use; it didn’t help gather food or secure territory. Yet it seemed that he was captivated, possibly moved by the sheer beauty of the natural phenomenon before him. This raised a powerful question: could a sense of wonder, a feeling of deep amazement at life’s grandeur, be older than humanity itself, rooted in the very fabric of our shared evolutionary past?
This notion that even a chimpanzee could stand in awe of something hints that wonder is not a frivolous luxury reserved for dreamers or poets. Instead, it might be an ancient and essential aspect of what makes creatures—especially humans—so uniquely thoughtful and innovative. Our ancestors, long before written history, likely paused to marvel at starry night skies, majestic mountains, and shimmering bodies of water. Such moments may have sparked imaginative leaps, helping early humans form myths, develop tools, and strengthen social bonds. Today, we often rush through life, glued to screens and to-do lists, forgetting that this primal capacity for amazement still lives within us. Just as the chimp at the waterfall reminded scientists of nature’s quiet mysteries, these hidden sparks of wonder can remind us that we’re part of something vast, beautiful, and interconnected.
In modern times, many of us shut down our sense of wonder in favor of productivity or endless distractions. Yet, as the chimp’s story shows, wonder serves as more than idle daydreaming. It can uplift our mindset, shift our perspective, and ignite creativity. By reconnecting with this ancient wellspring, we have the chance to learn new ways of thinking, approach challenges with fresh insight, and discover hidden layers of meaning in everyday life. We can slow down to notice the craftsmanship of a wooden chair, marvel at the crisp pattern of a butterfly’s wings, or appreciate the quiet brilliance of a child’s untamed questions. Each of these moments invites us back into that shared tapestry of wonder. Starting here, in this chapter, we begin a journey to rediscover the internal spark that has always helped humans—and perhaps even our closest animal relatives—see the world anew.
Chapter 2: Learning to Open Doors of Perception and Rediscover a Childlike Sense of Awe .
If you think about how children explore the world, you’ll notice something remarkable: they approach their surroundings with eyes wide open, genuinely curious about every fluttering leaf or hidden insect. As adults, this openness often fades behind careful planning and busy schedules. But consider what happens if we reverse that trend. German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once suggested that naivety, or a willingness to see without preconceptions, can be more important than sheer intelligence for inspiring genius. This kind of openness allows our minds to wander freely, to embrace what we do not know, and to be fearless in the face of uncertainty. Instead of allowing fear or skepticism to slam the door on new ideas, we can choose to step into unfamiliar territory with a childlike delight. After all, within that gap of not knowing, new solutions, brilliant insights, and surprising possibilities often lie waiting to be discovered.
Real-world examples show how openness can spark unexpected success. Consider Kerry Smith, a business owner who manufactured rooftop sprinklers. He decided to embark on a completely different venture: making large, energy-efficient fans. His new company bore a technically accurate but forgettable name: HVLS Fans, short for High Velocity, Low Speed Fans. Customers, however, remembered them differently. They called these products Big Ass Fans because they were just so huge. Instead of resisting this nickname, Smith embraced it and rebranded his entire business around it. The humor and originality drew people in, making the company stand out. By staying open to a strange idea, Smith transformed an ordinary situation into a thriving enterprise. Here’s the key lesson: openness does not mean ignoring obstacles. It means welcoming unusual possibilities and seeing them as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks on the journey toward creative achievements.
To cultivate openness in your own life, try experimenting with small, everyday actions. For instance, regularly engage with people who have different perspectives than yours. Seek conversations with those who challenge your assumptions or introduce you to unfamiliar topics. Visit new places—perhaps a museum focusing on something you know little about, or a small ethnic grocery store brimming with flavors you’ve never tried. Embrace a hobby that initially intimidates you, or pick up an instrument you’ve never played. Even a simple habit like taking a few moments each day to look at the distant horizon and dream can gently expand your openness. Picture your goals shimmering at that far-off line and think of fresh paths to reach them. Each time you step outside the circle of what you already know, you stretch your mind’s capacity to remain curious, flexible, and prepared to discover more.
Openness is more than just absorbing information; it’s about allowing yourself to be surprised. Think of it as learning to say maybe instead of no when you encounter something new. In a world that often rewards efficiency over exploration, nurturing openness can feel like a quiet rebellion. Yet, it is a rebellion that leads to richer thinking and deeper engagement with the people and places around us. When you are open, your life becomes a journey of possibility. That sense of wonder you felt as a child—where even a cardboard box could become a castle—is still accessible. If you choose to live with more openness, you invite that vibrant, creative energy back into your mind and heart. Over time, you may find yourself solving problems more creatively, feeling more fulfilled, and discovering meaning in places you never thought to look.
Chapter 3: Unleashing Curiosity to Venture Beyond Comfort Zones and Expand Boundless Personal Possibilities .
While openness invites new experiences, curiosity takes it a step further. It asks questions, digs deeper, and transforms the unknown into a treasure hunt for meaning. As children, many of us never hesitated to ask Why? But as we grow older, we’re often taught to keep our questions to ourselves or to accept simple answers without further exploration. This can dull our sense of wonder. Psychologist Todd Kashdan notes that people who maintain high levels of curiosity report greater satisfaction and meaning in their lives. When we let our curiosity roam free, we acknowledge that not everything is settled. There are puzzles worth solving and mysteries worth unraveling. Being curious is not about being nosy or intrusive; it’s about respecting life’s complexities enough to investigate them. Curiosity propels us toward growth. It helps us reimagine what’s possible, inviting our minds to roam beyond the familiar paths.
Studies show that curiosity can keep our minds flexible and engaged. Keith Oatley, a cognitive psychologist, found that reading stories with uncertain or ambiguous endings encourages readers to entertain multiple possibilities. Instead of feeling frustrated by the lack of a tidy conclusion, curious readers become mental explorers, crafting their own interpretations. This mental exercise teaches us to remain open-minded in reality as well. When confronted with an unanswered question, the curious mind ventures forward, unafraid of complexity. Curiosity can reshape how we see ordinary things: a simple walk around your neighborhood might reveal architectural details you never noticed, unusual bird calls you never identified, or neighbors who have intriguing stories to share. By shifting your mindset from I already know all this to I wonder what else is here, you transform the world into a landscape of endless discovery waiting to be explored.
One practical way to awaken your curiosity is by intentionally seeking objects or experiences that spark questioning. Historically, European collectors built cabinets of curiosities, filled with feathers, fossils, shells, and other oddities. These collections did not have obvious value beyond inspiring questions: Where did this creature come from? How does it live? You can create your own modern version—a shelf, a bulletin board, or a small box—where you place items that intrigue you. This might be a postcard from a faraway country you’ve never visited, a strange rock you found on a hike, or an old family photograph without a caption. When you look at these curiosities, challenge yourself to learn more about them, sparking further inquiry. Over time, you train your mind to be comfortable with uncertainty, to seek answers, and to delight in the journey of learning rather than just the destination of knowledge.
Curiosity also thrives in conversation. Instead of limiting exchanges to yes-or-no answers, ask open-ended questions that invite stories and explanations. When someone mentions a hobby you don’t understand—like urban beekeeping or competitive rock-skipping—ask them what drew them to it. Listen closely, and imagine the world through their eyes. Such inquisitiveness strengthens relationships because it shows respect and genuine interest. It also encourages the other person to share more. Bit by bit, curiosity weaves a richer tapestry of understanding around us. Rather than seeing others as plain or ordinary, we start to appreciate the countless life experiences and secrets they carry. As we continue this exploration, curiosity leads us to more creative problem-solving, joyful connections, and a sustained sense of wonder. Just as a traveler ventures beyond familiar landscapes, a curious mind steps beyond comfort zones, constantly discovering new horizons of possibility.
Chapter 4: Infusing Life with Hope to Overcome Setbacks and Illuminate New Pathways Forward .
If wonder awakens us to possibilities, hope keeps us moving forward even when times are tough. Hope is not blind optimism; it’s the ability to imagine a better outcome and to believe you can influence events in some positive way. Consider the story of naturalist Nikki van Schindel, who found herself rowing a longboat off Vancouver’s coast in freezing rain and harsh winds. She and her partner battled the elements, cold, and exhaustion. Just when it seemed bleak, their oars disturbed luminous algae in the water, creating brilliant neon-green sparks with each stroke. This magical display didn’t warm their bodies or calm the storm, but it filled them with a sense of enchantment. They realized they could keep going, and this spark of wonder lit a flame of hope. In that stormy darkness, hope emerged as a guiding light, showing them that endurance was possible.
Hope provides practical benefits. Research suggests that hopeful individuals achieve more academically, display greater resilience, and maintain higher self-esteem. Why? Because hope encourages goal-setting, and setting goals maps out a path forward. When you genuinely believe there’s a chance for improvement, you think strategically about how to overcome obstacles. Instead of shutting down in despair, you break big problems into smaller tasks and tackle them one by one. For example, if your dream is to climb a mountain, hope prompts you to research training routines, buy proper gear, and gradually build your endurance. Hope transforms intimidating challenges into manageable steps. It makes action seem worthwhile, because you trust that your efforts will lead somewhere meaningful. Without hope, the mind easily slips into apathy. With hope, you form a solid bridge between the present and the future, giving yourself permission to strive for something better.
Apathy is hope’s enemy, but thankfully, you can nurture hope just as you nurture curiosity or openness. One way is to engage in small rituals that affirm positive possibilities. For instance, take a short walk each morning and imagine the path you are on in life. Where do you want to be in a year? What tiny action can you take today to move closer to that horizon? Even these small mental exercises can reinforce a hopeful mindset. Hope also flourishes when you celebrate small victories instead of only focusing on setbacks. Did you learn a new skill, however minor, that moves you closer to your goal? Give yourself credit. This ongoing practice helps you realize that every step forward, no matter how modest, matters. Over time, these incremental successes stack up, building confidence and reminding you that improvement is both possible and worth pursuing.
Hope also connects us deeply with others. Consider how the musician Nick Cave responded after the tragic loss of his teenage son. Overwhelmed by grief, he created The Red Hand Files, a website inviting anyone to ask him any question. By openly sharing raw honesty and compassion, Cave’s initiative created a community of hope. Readers around the world found comfort in these heartfelt exchanges. As they read his responses—full of vulnerability and humanity—they felt less alone in their own struggles. Hope often springs from recognizing that we share this unpredictable human experience. By cultivating wonder, we open ourselves to beauty and possibility; by nurturing hope, we find the courage to move forward despite adversity. In doing so, we not only improve ourselves but also inspire others, forming bonds of empathy and strengthening communities through the unbreakable thread of optimism.
Chapter 5: Practicing Admiration as a Reflective Tool to Inspire Growth and Continual Self-Discovery .
If openness, curiosity, and hope guide us toward new horizons, admiration can help us see excellence in others and spark growth in ourselves. Admiration, as described by wonder experts, is not about envy or blind adoration. It is a genuine appreciation for someone’s remarkable achievement or skill, a recognition that their talent or dedication shines like a beacon. When we admire another person’s excellence, we mirror that glow within ourselves. This facet of wonder encourages us to think: What can I learn from this person’s journey? How can their success energize my own? Admiration transforms envy—where we might resent another’s good fortune—into inspiration, pushing us to celebrate what they’ve accomplished and to explore how we can cultivate similar strengths. This shift strengthens our own sense of possibility, reinforcing the idea that human potential is not a fixed pie, but a vast field where everyone can flourish.
Turning envy into admiration requires honesty and courage. Imagine scrolling through social media and seeing a friend named Grace posting breathtaking photos from an adventure trip—rock climbing in rugged landscapes or kayaking through sparkling waters. If you feel a twinge of envy, ask yourself what lies beneath it. Maybe you, too, want to explore the world and test your limits. Recognizing this desire is the first step. Admiration helps you say, I respect Grace’s courage and skill, and I want to develop my own version of that spirit. Instead of wishing Grace would stumble, you find inspiration in her success. You might decide to save money for a small trip of your own, sign up for a beginner’s rock-climbing class, or simply research a new destination online. Each step is fueled by admiration’s positive energy, turning someone else’s accomplishment into a spark for your own growth.
Complimenting others is a simple but powerful way to practice admiration. When you see something impressive—a friend’s painting, a classmate’s musical performance, or a colleague’s inventive solution to a problem—speak up. Tell them, Your work really inspired me, or I appreciate how well you handled that challenge. Such honest compliments form a positive feedback loop. They encourage others to keep refining their strengths, and they remind you that excellence deserves recognition. As you make complimenting others a habit, you begin to notice wonderful qualities in unexpected places. This expands your understanding of what humans are capable of. The same effect happens when you explore who the people you admire look up to themselves. Following their chain of admiration leads you to discover new role models and fresh sources of inspiration. In this way, admiration branches out like a living network, connecting you to a richer world of possibilities.
When someone admires you, accept that appreciation gracefully. Acknowledge that their words are not empty praise but recognition of something meaningful you’ve done. Allowing yourself to feel valued can renew your confidence and motivate you to refine your talents further. This mutual exchange of admiration creates what Jeffrey Davis calls a mirror effect, where two lit-up mirrors face each other, reflecting brilliance back and forth. Admiration reminds us that we don’t have to walk our paths alone. We can find guides, mentors, peers, and even distant figures who push us to reach higher. Over time, this cycle of admiration and inspiration builds an environment where everyone thrives. Instead of a world driven by jealousy or competition, we create a culture in which celebrating each other’s achievements leads to collective growth, an uplifting energy that makes excellence more accessible to anyone willing to learn, try, and believe.
Chapter 6: Integrating the Four Facets of Wonder into Everyday Habits for Lasting Empowerment .
Now that we have explored openness, curiosity, hope, and admiration, how do we weave these four facets into the fabric of our daily lives? It’s one thing to understand them in theory, but another to put them into consistent practice. Think of these four facets as the cornerstones of a grand garden. Openness tills the soil, curiosity plants the seeds, hope nurtures the growing plants, and admiration appreciates the flowers as they bloom. To truly benefit, we need to make these qualities more than occasional moments. We must transform them into daily habits, small rituals that guide us toward a more fulfilling life. This might mean setting aside a few minutes each morning to reflect on something that amazes you, writing down a question you want to answer, or giving someone a heartfelt compliment. With repetition and intention, these actions become natural and reinforce each other.
To integrate these facets, start by noticing when wonder naturally arises. Maybe you feel a surge of admiration while watching a documentary about marine life. In that moment, pause and ask yourself how you can deepen this feeling. Could you learn more about the topic? Could you share what you discovered with a friend, sparking their curiosity too? By extending a moment of wonder into a longer exploration, you are practicing curiosity and openness. Then, consider how hope plays a part. If learning about marine conservation inspires you to help protect oceans, you might set a small, hopeful goal: reduce plastic use or support an environmental cause. Each facet connects to the others, strengthening your sense of purpose and creativity. Before long, these four pillars of wonder become a supportive framework, reminding you that life’s richness is accessible when you actively choose to nurture these qualities.
Another way to sustain these facets is through journaling. At the end of each day, take a moment to write about when you felt open, curious, hopeful, or admiring. Describe what triggered those feelings and what they led you to think or do. Reflect on how these experiences felt in your body and mind. Over time, you’ll see patterns emerge. Perhaps you’ll notice that reading certain types of books boosts your curiosity, or spending time outdoors increases your hope and admiration. Maybe particular conversations with creative friends raise your openness. With this awareness, you can intentionally seek more of what nurtures these facets in your life. Journaling also gives you tangible evidence of your growth. When you flip back through previous entries, you’ll see how far you’ve come. This reflective process makes it easier to guide yourself toward more uplifting, inspiring, and transformative activities.
Lastly, recognize that integrating these facets doesn’t mean forcing yourself to feel wonder at every moment. Life includes challenges, disappointments, and difficulties. Sometimes you’ll struggle to find hope or feel too distracted to be curious. That’s okay. The goal is not perfection. The goal is to keep coming back to these facets as powerful tools whenever you need them. They are like anchors, helping you remain steady when the seas get rough. When you train yourself to pause and appreciate beauty, ask questions, hold onto a hopeful vision, or admire greatness in others, you gradually shift your mindset. Over days, months, and years, this shift can reshape how you approach work, relationships, learning, and creativity. By integrating wonder into your life, you create a more meaningful, resilient, and enriched existence that can carry you through any storm you face.
Chapter 7: Transforming Our Work, Relationships, and Creativity Through Conscious Practices of Wonder Tracking .
Tracking wonder—consciously noting and nurturing its facets—is not just a personal pastime. It can revolutionize how we engage with the world in our work, relationships, and creative pursuits. Imagine bringing a sense of openness to your job. Rather than seeing tasks as chores, you consider each project as an opportunity to discover something new. You question old routines with genuine curiosity, leading to innovative solutions. When setbacks occur, hope guides you to see challenges as stepping stones rather than dead ends. Admiration allows you to celebrate colleagues’ strengths instead of resenting their success, turning competition into cooperation. By applying wonder’s facets, work evolves from a grind into a dynamic environment where everyone can grow and shine.
Relationships also benefit when you embrace wonder. Instead of judging friends or family through a limited lens, openness encourages you to understand their perspectives, even when you disagree. Curiosity prompts you to ask meaningful questions that deepen connections and reveal shared interests you never knew existed. Hope keeps you engaged during difficult conversations, trusting that mutual understanding is possible. Admiration helps you celebrate your loved ones’ achievements, encouraging them to thrive and feel valued. Together, these qualities create a circle of support and enrichment. Over time, your relationships become more meaningful, stable, and harmonious, because each person feels truly seen, heard, and appreciated.
In terms of creativity, wonder is like a secret ingredient that makes ordinary ideas glow with originality. Openness inspires you to explore new art forms, musical genres, or problem-solving techniques. Curiosity drives you to investigate deeper layers, pushing beyond surface-level thinking. Hope keeps you going when initial attempts fail or meet rejection; it reminds you that every draft, sketch, or experiment brings you closer to a breakthrough. Admiration lets you learn from others’ artistic brilliance without feeling threatened by it. Instead of copying their style, you integrate what you learn into your own approach. Soon, you find yourself producing work that reflects a personal spark, energized by the collective influence of those you admire. Creativity flourishes when nurtured by wonder, growing into a garden of bold and innovative thinking.
As you move forward, consider wonder tracking as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time lesson. You can apply these principles as you navigate personal challenges, explore new interests, or collaborate with diverse teams. Even in an increasingly fast-paced world where productivity is often prioritized above reflection, making time to appreciate a simple moment of beauty can refresh your spirit. Approaching others with curiosity rather than judgment can transform tense interactions into opportunities for growth. Holding onto hope during tough times reminds you that improvement and healing are possible. Finally, sincerely admiring others uplifts everyone involved. Over time, these four pillars of wonder become deeply woven into how you approach every aspect of life. The result is an empowered sense of being fully alive—constantly learning, connecting, and evolving. This is the transformative power of tracking wonder and letting it guide you onward.
All about the Book
Discover the transformative power of creativity and mindfulness in ‘Tracking Wonder’. This guide empowers you to embrace wonder, ignite your imagination, and live a more fulfilling life through actionable insights and inspiring stories.
Jeffrey Davis is a creativity expert and author, dedicated to helping individuals and organizations foster wonder and innovation in their work and lives.
Writers, Creatives, Educators, Entrepreneurs, Mental Health Professionals
Journaling, Mindfulness Meditation, Nature Walks, Creative Writing, Artistic Exploration
Creativity Block, Mental Health, Work-Life Balance, Innovative Thinking
Wonder is the seed of creativity, and nurturing it can change the course of our lives.
Elizabeth Gilbert, Brené Brown, Daniel Pink
Independent Publisher Book Award, National Indie Excellence Award, Foreword Reviews’ Book of the Year Award
1. How can I cultivate my sense of wonder daily? #2. What practices help deepen my creative insights? #3. How do I reconnect with my inner child? #4. What tools can enhance my observational skills? #5. How can I overcome creative blocks effectively? #6. In what ways can journaling enhance my reflection? #7. How do connections with nature fuel creativity? #8. What role does curiosity play in personal growth? #9. How can I define my unique creative journey? #10. What are some tips for nurturing creative relationships? #11. How does gratitude impact my creative process? #12. What are effective ways to embrace uncertainty? #13. How can storytelling enrich my life experiences? #14. What mindset shifts foster a wonder-filled life? #15. How can I integrate mindfulness into creativity? #16. What strategies help me maintain focus on goals? #17. How does vulnerability enhance my creative expression? #18. In what ways can playfulness inspire innovation? #19. How do I balance structure and spontaneity? #20. What is the significance of joy in creativity?
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