Not to mention ego getting in the way of understanding. Somehting that I likely have issues with aswell.

I don't have an issue with this, never have, never will as I am that kind of person.... I think people underestimate how strong an ego that doesn't really exist can be.

So how then to awaken the curiosity to understand the self and the world we exist in

Keep asking questions until it is clear. At first, it might seem like chasing ones tail perhaps but, as the cycle is seen, the circle stats to expand (or contract depending on how you look at it).