When we look at our examples above we see that intrinsic choice allows an open-ended path of learning by questioning. These questions develop decisions that percolate new answers that lead to new questions or possibilities. Intrinsic choice is a joyful and efficient way in developing the muscles of critical thinking skills. These skills are a benefit to personal confidence, the ability to self direct and find solutions to complex problems. 

Scientists use a similar model when they create hypotheses and then go about trying to prove or disprove them. The art of science starts with asking questions that lead to a hypothesis. Dreaming up possible ways to test the hypothesis is called experimentation. Learning comes in the process of trying. The hidden ingredient in the art of scientific discovery is the desire and focus to uncover the solution. Scientists value curiosity and creativity. They appreciate learning. Often when they prove their hypotheses the process has uncovered more questions which leads to another hypothesis. Their work continues.  The art of science is a great example of what an open-ended path looks like.
 

Practicing art allows for the same platform of questioning, decision and doing. Whether you are building a boat, raising goats, painting a picture or putting an engine together, you get to decide what questions you will ask and how you will answer them to create the outcome that satisfies your questions. When you pair this process with an experienced mentor or teacher who is interested in you and understands how to guide you while also letting you direct yourself, you have one of the ingredients for experiencing the joy in learning.

In the pizza example lies the basis of learning through intrinsic choices. If your first pizza didn’t taste good you could try a different recipe, decide to bag the whole thing and find a good restaurant, or ask someone else to help you make it again. The process itself provided you with a more in-depth understanding of pizza. It gave you more knowledge about the subject of pizza and about yourself.