The Power of The Question

Many of us may be able to identify with growing up in a society where asking questions may have been interpreted as a weakness. We may have been told that asking a question showed some lack of knowledge that we should have already had. Maybe we were told things like “You should have already known that”, or “What is wrong with you that you have to ask that?”  

And, even if you didn’t experience those direct messages there are certainly societal norms that say we should have a certain level of knowledge at a certain age. And, if we don’t meet those expectations that asking for help could possibly be viewed as a lack of motivation or commitment. 

Why would a child be afraid to raise their hand in a class to ask a question? Are they afraid to look foolish for not knowing the answer to a question? Do they feel they will be made fun of?

From personal experience I can relate to the personal expectation that I “should already have learned that”. This pressure of thinking I should already know. 

This brings me to the point of this blog. 

The human spirit wants to explore. It wants to question. Just watch any healthy child, and you will hear them ask endless questions. “Why is that tree green?” “Why do I have to go to school?”  “Where do rainbows come from?” The questions are endless, because the human spirit wants to question everything. We want to learn. We want to explore. We naturally have a desire to find out more knowledge. 

The problem comes in when we believe a perfectionistic message that tells us that somehow we are somehow weak for asking. 

It’s also interesting to me that we live in an age where the answers to questions can be answered in 2 seconds by using our smart phones. So many things we used to have to go to the library for can be found out in an instant. This has created a dependence on instant answers. 

I believe that there is something truly beautiful happening when a child sits down with a parent and says “I don’t understand something. Can you help me with this?”  Not only is the child wanting connection with their parent. They are also expressing trust in that parent to guide them in the right direction. This trust creates intimacy. 

Asking questions creates intimacy. 

Asking questions displays a level of humility, and it builds a healthy dependence of those outside of us. There is nothing wrong with relying on others to helps us navigate life. Asking questions conveys that you wish to connect. 

It is our natural inclination to explore and ask questions. My hope is that when we ask questions we can do so from a place of excitement and curiosity, rather than from any sense of fear or embarrassment. 

Asking questions is a sign of self confidence and strength. 

Go ahead! Ask away!