Redefining the Relationship with Self: Author O’Nell Agossa on the Practice of Curiosity

Canadian author O’Nell Agossa virtually joined host Trae Holiday on a recent episode of “The Day With Trae,” inviting readers to embark on a journey of self-reflection through his new work, “Curiosity and I: Let Curiosity Guide You.” 

The book, which blends fiction with memoir, was born from a three-year period of Agossa choosing to say "yes" to his heart's desires. Through this exploration, he found a profound love for writing and exploring the vast worlds of his curiosity.

A Science-Based Companion

Agossa drew on behavioral science to explain how curiosity functions in our lives. He noted the difference between epistemic curiosity, the "dopamine rush you get when you're able to solve a puzzle,” and perceptual curiosity, which occurs when one’s understanding is "completely shattered by new information.”

By personifying curiosity in the book, Agossa hoped readers will view it as a form of a guide. He emphasized that curiosity is not a one-time event but a lifelong practice that involves both inward reflection on oneself and outward engagement with the world.

The Principles of Inquiry

The narrative of “Curiosity and I” is built upon three core principles: curiosity is honest, curiosity active, and curiosity compounds. Agossa applied these same principles to his own writing process, aiming for a level of vulnerability that resonates with his audience.

The author even plays on the traditional idiom "curiosity killed the cat," using a feline form for the personified version of curiosity in his book. This choice highlighted an overarching theme in the work: the universal law that everything changes.  

“To be really curious... is to observe that change and be an active participant of that change,” he said. 

The Power of the Present

According to Agossa, the ultimate benefit of this practice is its ability to ground an individual. 

"True honest curiosity—what I love about it is that it pulls you back to the present moment,” he said, arguing that this focus is imperative because the "present moment is the space where everything happens.” 

“Curiosity and I: Let Curiosity Guide You”  is currently available worldwide through Amazon. 

Catch “The Day With Trae” Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Do you support independent Black Media? Then consider donating to Converge and supporting our mission here.