Unapologetic Inquiry: Embracing Questions for Unparallel Learning
Have you ever faced a situation where being unafraid to ask questions meant unlocking a door of knowledge and understanding? In this article, we explore why asking questions is not just an option, but a mandatory strategy for personal and professional growth.
Questioning from an Early Age
As humans, questioning becomes a part of us almost from the moment we start to think and speak. From a young age, I found myself unafraid to ask questions.
At just 5 years old, I found myself unjustly treated by someone who erroneously believed that silence was an act of obedience. I was taught to stop asking questions to align with their superstitions. For a short while, I tried to comply, but my inquisitive nature could not be contained. I returned to questioning and have never stopped since, embracing the power of inquiry.
The Power of Unresolved Curiosity
The journey of learning often begins with questioning. At just 5 years old, being unafraid to ask questions was not just a challenge, but a conscious decision to live a life guided by genuine understanding rather than blind acceptance.
The environment I found myself in was filled with prejudice and ignorance. I remember being told that certain questions were not suitable to ask. But the still-small seed of curiosity refused to wither. Even when I thought I had to do everything, questions about choices and independence started to emerge.
The Role of Mistakes in Learning
Often, the most valuable lessons come not from structured education but from the mistakes and experiences that shape our understanding. As I grew older, I learned more from my mistakes than from formal schooling. My history, filled with numerous stories both real and imagined, continuously enriches my knowledge base.
Through the cacophony of contradictory information, I honed my ability to filter and integrate new knowledge, a process that continues to this day. Far from becoming complacent, I view my past as a constant reminder to question and seek truth. By not lying to myself about this history, I affirm my commitment to unapologetic questioning.
Learning Through Inquiry and Dialogue
The act of asking questions is not just about gathering information; it is about engaging in a dialogue with the world. Through this dialogue, we can uncover hidden truths, challenge our beliefs, and expand our understanding of the world.
Ask yourself: How else can you or anyone learn? By not being afraid to ask questions, you open yourself up to new possibilities and perspectives. Embrace the inquiries, no matter how absurd or nonsensical they may seem. Be ready and willing to ask them, and you will embark on a journey of continual learning and growth.
August 17th, 2023