Soon after, in 1925, scientists built on Pavlov’s ideas about exploration. They discovered that rats would cross an electrified grid that shocked them just for the privilege of entering a new territory. Other studies found that to explore, monkeys will put themselves through four hellish, frustrating tests—the monkey equivalent of taking the bar exam. What’s critical is that none of these lab animals were hungry, horny, thirsty, cold, or in danger. In all cases, these animals explored when all their needs like food, sex, water, and safety were taken care of. They explored just to explore.
