Ask the stupid questions

At the risk of sounding stupid, we withhold our questions and curiosities. As humans, we’ve created this idea that to be inquisitive and display our curiosity publicly, we are showing ourselves to be ignorant and foolish. In reality, this is counter to the truth. Ignorance is a state of being in which misinformation or the lack of knowledge becomes the defining feature of someone/something. By denying ourselves and others of the rewards of curiosity, we perpetuate the idea that it is better to be a closet ignoramus than a momentary one. What is it that stops us from asking questions? Is it pride in admitting we don’t know something or is it the shame that comes from exposing our ignorance in front of others? Regardless, there’s greater shame to the self in holding on to that ignorance in respect to saving face.

Part of the scientific method taught in schools hinges on asking a question. In fact, it’s the most important part. No discovery was made, no serendipitous rejoicing in celebration of something reaffirmed that we already know. To progress as individuals, and as a species, we’ve had to ask questions, admit our ignorance, and seek answers through others, experiments, and experience. Life is a journey, and progress comes from challenging ourselves and asking the hard questions. No one progresses when they are stagnant, because stagnation is failure. With questions come the end of ignorance, and the acceptance of growth. In almost every class or conference you’ll have the token moment when someone asks the question that one or most of you is thinking. You weren’t about to raise your hand, but you were probably wondering the same thing. You realize, that the person who asked the question isn’t ignorant or stupid, he’s now well informed and so are the rest of you. Be the person to raise your hand and ask the questions.