The Art of Curiosity and Innovation: Cody Johnston on Embracing the Weird

Curiosity | Innovation | Entrepreneurial Mindset

Introduction
In a world often dazzled by conformity, Cody Johnston stands as a testament to the power of curiosity and creativity. As “The Weird Canadian,” Cody’s personal and professional journey embodies the art of asking better questions, embracing change, and using technology to open doors for all. This story traces his path from government software engineering to sparking innovation for businesses across Canada.

A Journey Through Flux
Cody’s early years in software engineering taught him just how crushing bureaucracy could be. His work with Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation started to drain his energy and sense of purpose. The big realization came when he pivoted—not just geographically, moving across the country, but intellectually, shifting from government rigidity to the wide-open spaces of creative entrepreneurship. Cody and his partner moved to Newfoundland, fueled by a love of beautiful landscapes and a hunger for new beginnings.

The Power of Questions
A core lesson from Cody’s career is that the quality of your life, and your solutions, comes down to the quality of your questions. In tech, and in life, learning how to “frame your questions” unlocks everything. Cody draws a parallel between great software problem-solving and personal growth: both require being willing to look foolish, ask “the stupid question,” and shake off the old belief that curiosity is a liability.

Polymathy: Connecting the Dots
Cody proudly calls himself a polymath—a master of many trades with an insatiable desire to learn. He sees every skill and discipline as a bridge to another. Throughout his personal story, this “cross-domain” mentality allowed him to quickly learn, adapt, and teach others, no matter how unfamiliar the territory.

The Internet as Collective Consciousness
Through his platform, The Weird Canadian, Cody shares a radical concept: the internet is an externalization of our collective consciousness. It is a space for healing, experimentation, and, unfortunately, a new kind of censorship. Cody’s mission is to help people reclaim curiosity, to play and experiment with AI tools, and to use the internet as a means for collective awakening, not control.

From Scarcity to Abundance
Cody challenges the myth of scarcity, arguing that our world is rich in resources and ideas. The only real limit is distribution and bureaucratic resistance to change. Community, local connection, and giving back are what keep the human spirit alive amid technological revolution.

Childlike Wonder and Human Agency
At the heart of Cody’s philosophy is the belief that being genuinely human means nurturing a childlike sense of play, gratitude, and agency. He urges everyone to “take five minutes and just be a child”—to remember the joy of discovery and the feeling of contributing to others.

Key Takeaways

• Curiosity and creative questioning unlock innovation in every field

• Embracing “polymathy” (learning many things) makes you adaptable and insightful

• Communities thrive when local agency and abundance replace control and scarcity

• We should use technology—and especially AI—as tools for playful learning, not constraint

• The truest form of being human comes from reconnecting with childlike wonder and authentic agency