I always have so much to write. Throughout the day, I write blog posts in my head but when I get on my computer, I can barely remember any of it.
But today, one thing I do remember is hearing that:
"You don't want to ask questions that you don't know the answer to."
I've been thinking about it all week to see how does it apply in reality and I've come to the conclusion that it is ironically a very simple truth. How often have you asked a question you wished you hadn't because of the answer you heard?
Maybe you already knew that, or maybe you disagree.
What do you think?
I actually have a post in the works on this one. Often people ask me a question but start yelling at me when I give them the answer. So don't ask! I don't, if I don't want to hear the answer!
ReplyDelete> "You don't want to ask questions that you don't know the answer to."
ReplyDeleteUm, isn't it: You don't want to ask question that you don't WANT to know the answer to.
It is a very funny thing about how our minds work. Even though we might not know something, we are also inherently afraid of finding out. There's something about that sense of uncertainty which can be paralyzing.
ReplyDeleteHowever, there is a Chassidic notion that finding out the truth, even if it is a hard one to accept, is the greatest source of yishuv hada'as and menuchas hanefesh there can be in life.
With regards to answering such questions when posed by others, I think that most of the time when people ask such questions, they are posing it to themselves not really wanting an answer. I dont bother answering unless they make it clear that they actually want an answer. Not point in upsetting someone...
ReplyDeleteWith regards to asking such questions myself, I usually try avoiding asking question which I know I dont care to have answered...
I've heard and used this quote many times, but I still think it applies only sometimes.
ReplyDeleteGenerally, the truth is preferable to ignorance; ignorance is not bliss. However, I don't think it's a good idea to ask people questions about THEMSELVES that you don't have a clue about the answer, because it may hurt them or make them uncomfortable. And let's face it- these days, with Facebook, etc., we know a lot about people that we don't actually know- some call it stalking, some call it research :)
Yes, I believe you meant "don't ask a question you don't want to know the answer to". Denial is a form of self-protection. We lie to ourselves about anything and everything if deep inside we know the truth will force us to make a hard decision. However, you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. Free of living in denial.
ReplyDelete@mighty garnel ironheart & Becca: I did mean a question you don't KNOW the answer to because like Anonymous pointed it out, you run a great risk of putting yourself or the interrogated into a uncomfortable situation.
ReplyDelete@shades of grey: love the chassidish input :)
@ the professor: most of people's talk, not even just questions is fill in. not worth answering half the time