Children are naturally curious explorers. Infants search their environment to make sense of it. Parents know that the very young inhabit a galaxy filled with wonder and have a voracious appetite for learning. But while motivation to learn is an in-born capacity, eventually it becomes a personality characteristic largely determined through the process of learning.
Children literally learn to be interested in math, fascinated by science, and intrigued with art.
They can also learn to be interested in drugs, fascinated by violence, and intrigued with gambling. The motivation to learn does not disappear, but it can develop in ways that lead young people to better themselves and society - or not. Children who possess a strong motivation to learn have a future blessed with discovery, opportunity, and contribution. They have a natural bent to do those things that will lead to occupational success in the 21st century and benefit the positive evolution of society. People who possess motivation to learn may find external barriers of circumstance and prejudice - but they are not their own enemies, and they are the most fit to learn ways to overcome such obstacles.