Curiosity is a motivator that I learned to suppress. It might be commonplace to simply stop asking "why?" or "how?" in spaces where learning such is rewarded with (a) frustration that you don't already know, and/or (b) greater expectations and pressures to do something about it, which in turn produce (c) conditions where people-pleasers (such as myself--I'm working on it, haha) are inclined to give from an empty cup.
To avoid that hurt, I have rendered myself, thus, a bit of a machine. Or well, as much a machine as I can bear. (I was raised to be curious by my teachers and professors, and I'm blessed (afflicted?) with the heart to learn and help improve whatever and wherever I can.)
For two years, I have been quelling my questions and putting off satisfying them. Now, the concern over the blandness of my inner monologue has become louder than that for my need to please.
EX LIBRIS is where I'll be sharing my questions and the answers I find, as I work on "living a little".
If you are like me (that is, an academic that got lost in the world of "work"), my hope is that this is a space in the web where you'll be able to become curious again, too. If you've got a healthy curiousity about you already, I hope this is a space you can learn even more.
Many thanks to my sister who encouraged me for months to attempt doing something for myself. Sister, if you are reading this: hello, buddy!
With gratitude,
Kait
November 9, 2025
Kait