Our research reveals a surprising truth: the divide between open-minded and closed-minded people isn't about their relationship with the past, but about a deeper cognitive struggle. Far from being stuck in time, a positive view of the past is a powerful fuel for future goals. This episode uncovers the biological, evolutionary, and cultural roots of what it truly means to be a forward-thinking mind. We'll explore why nostalgia is a future-oriented emotion, how our brains are wired for curiosity, and why our social environment can make us either more adaptable or more rigid. Join us as we dismantle a simple myth and build a new, evidence-based understanding of the human disposition to change