It’s easy to overlook the value and the power of simple questions because we think intelligence is related to the ability to recite facts from memory. But intelligence isn’t about knowing all the answers, it’s about asking better questions.
This is how we broaden our knowledge and deepen our understanding. In fact, the most important answers often come from seemingly stupid questions.
The power of a question
Answers are easy. They solve problems. Questions are more difficult, because they point out knowledge gaps and deficiencies in our understanding. They make us uncomfortable. As such, we tend to reject them outright. But it is also clear that there is tremendous value in questioning what we think we already know.
The truth is, great innovators are not necessarily smarter, more diligent, or more ambitious than everyone else, but rather those who are constantly looking for new questions to ask and new problems to solve.
Ask silly questions and encourage others to ask. Because those questions have the magical ability to solve many problems later on. The truth is that we need to build a culture of inquiry to drive innovation. We need to ask “why” things are done the way they are, “what if” we chose a different path, and “how” we could do things differently.
Why?
At a young age, we ask a lot of “why?” questions. Why is the sky blue? Why can’t we fly like birds? Why should I go to bed at a certain time? Why don’t sheep shrink when it rains? By asking why, we learn fundamental things about the world. But as we get older, we tend to assume we know things and stop questioning our basic assumptions.
Questions can be frustrating because the “why?” question rarely has a simple answer and almost always leads to more questions. But if you want to go beyond basic assumptions, you should start with the question, “Why?”
What If?
“Why?” questions can help us keep our attention on new opportunities, and “what if” questions can lead us in new directions and open new doors. Einstein was famous for this kind of thought experiment. The question, “What if I rode a lightning bolt?” led to his special theory of relativity and the question, “What if I rode an elevator in space?” led to general relativity.
To put it another way, “What if?” is to remove or add restrictions. For example, “What if I didn’t have to worry about costs?” You can ask yourself, “What if I could claim it?” Questions often make us aware of possibilities we were unaware of.
How?
Asking “Why?” and “What if? questions can open up new opportunities, eventually, we need to answer the “How?” question. “How?” questions can be particularly difficult because answering them often requires knowledge, resources, and skills that we don’t have. That’s what makes “How?” questions fundamentally more collaborative.
“A prudent question is one-half of wisdom.”
Sir Francis Bacon
In Conclusion
In essence, while many people focus on finding answers and solutions to problems, they often forget the value of good questions. Questions provide a unique thinking framework that can open the door to unexpected revelations, playing a valuable role in promoting creativity, fostering connections, and encouraging open-mindedness. So, don’t be afraid to ask a silly question now and then – you never know what insightful or amusing responses you might uncover!
Embrace your silly soul and start asking better questions.
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