Understanding how infants develop curiosity and motivation from the start
When you hold a tiny baby in your arms, you notice that their little eyes dart around, soaking in everything — the flickering shadows, the soft hum of voices, the warmth of your skin. That restless gaze isn’t just random; it’s a seed of curiosity, a quiet sign that even from the earliest moments, infants are wired to explore the world around them. It’s easy to think of infant development as a step-by-step process: first, they learn to see and hear, then reach and grasp, and finally, act with purpose. But beneath these observable milestones lies a complex dance of motivation, curiosity, and learning that scientists are now beginning to understand more deeply.
This conversation is at the heart of a lively debate among researchers about how infants grow and learn. Some propose a “stage-like” view — that babies move through distinct phases, from simple sensory responses to goal-directed actions. Others, like Zettersten and colleagues, advocate for what’s called a “foundation model” perspective. This approach sees infant development not as a series of separate steps, but as a process driven by a rich internal motivation, especially curiosity about the surprising and unknown.
**The essence of the foundation model view of infant development** is that infants aren’t just passive absorbers of sensory data. Instead, they are active explorers, motivated by an intrinsic desire to understand their world. Their brains are constantly forming predictions about what will happen next, and when those predictions are challenged by surprises, it sparks a curiosity that drives further learning. This isn’t just about accumulating facts — it’s about building a flexible, curiosity-driven learning system that shapes how infants grow from sensory beings into purposeful, goal-directed explorers.
This perspective emphasizes that even in the earliest months, infants are motivated by a desire to connect the dots — to understand cause and effect, to find patterns, and to make sense of their environment. And it’s not just about passive learning from sensory input. The internal “objective function” that guides learning in this model can encompass a rich tapestry of motivations, including a child’s fascination with surprises, a drive to explore new objects, or the innate curiosity that makes learning feel like an exciting adventure.
**How does this change the way we see infant development?** It suggests that infants aren’t just little robots passively absorbing data — they are motivated explorers with a natural curiosity that fuels their growth. This curiosity is what propels them to reach for a toy, to babble, or to investigate a new texture. It’s what makes early interactions with caregivers so vital — because these moments of surprise, joy, and discovery are the fuel that keeps their internal motivation burning bright.
Recognizing the importance of motivation and curiosity in infant development also influences how we approach early childhood education and caregiving. If we see infants as active learners driven by an innate desire to explore, then creating environments rich with surprises and opportunities for discovery becomes essential. It’s not just about teaching facts or milestones; it’s about nurturing that core curiosity that will grow into a lifelong love of learning.
This perspective also reminds us that developmental progress isn’t just about passing through stages but about the ongoing interplay between internal motivation and external experience. When parents and caregivers understand that a baby’s curiosity is a key driver of development, they can better support their child’s natural inclinations — providing safe spaces for exploration and celebrating moments of discovery.
**The science of curiosity and motivation in infants** is revealing that these qualities are woven into the very fabric of our earliest days. As research advances, it becomes clearer that understanding how infants learn is not just about observing their behaviors but about appreciating their internal worlds — driven by a desire to understand, to surprise, and to grow.
In this ongoing dialogue about human development, embracing the foundation model view helps us see infants not as passive recipients but as active, motivated explorers. That shift in perspective opens new ways to support their growth, nurture their innate curiosity, and honor the remarkable journey from sensory awareness to purposeful action.
Learn More: Defending the foundation model view of infant development
Abstract: In response to the opinion article by Cusack et al. [1], Zettersten et al. [2] challenge the proposal that human infants undergo a stage-like development from sensory to goal-directed actions. Zettersten et al. depict the foundation model theory as one in which infants passively learn statistical regularities and are not capable of motivations, but it was not our intention to rule out motivations. In practice, the objective function that drives learning in a foundation model can codify rich motivation such as a curiosity for surprising things [3].
Link: https://www.cell.com/trends/cognitive-sciences/fulltext/S1364-6613(25)00119-6?rss=yes
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.
