I think is the most important element of learning. The curiosity, and the creativity are fundamentals. This remember me the TED Talk of Ken Robinson, "How schools kill creativity". It's the most viewed video of TED, and it's brilliant. http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity encouragement of curiosity.
I completely agree with you, I have seen that talk and now I must see it again. Courage, resolve, character, resourcefulness and happiness all develop from pursuing curiosity. Of course the people taking care of us want us to be safe and clean and healthy but kids and especially teens don't explore the way they used to. Not in real life, anyway, and the worst part is that never chasing mystery eventually makes you lose all desire to do so.