"مردی را از روی سوالاتش قضاوت کن نه از روی پاسخ‌هایش"

The idea behind this quote is that the questions a person asks can reveal more about their character and intellect than the answers they give. It's about valuing curiosity and the desire to understand more deeply over merely having the right responses.

Historically, this wisdom is often attributed to the French Enlightenment writer Voltaire. In the 18th century, the Enlightenment was a time of great intellectual exploration and emphasis on reason and questioning traditional authority. Voltaire’s point was to highlight the importance of being inquisitive and understanding that asking thoughtful questions is a sign of a truly engaged and critical mind.

Think about a doctor diagnosing a patient. A good doctor doesn't just rely on knowing the symptoms and prescribing medicine. They ask insightful questions to understand the patient's full history, lifestyle, and even subtle clues that might not be immediately obvious. This approach can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and better treatment. For instance, Dr. House from the TV show "House M.D." is famous for his brilliant diagnostic skills—not because he always has the right answer immediately, but because he asks the right questions that lead to the right answers.

So, how can you apply this in your life? Start by being genuinely curious. When you're in a conversation, don't just wait for your turn to speak. Instead, listen actively and ask questions that show you’re really engaged. This doesn’t mean bombarding the other person with questions, but rather asking meaningful ones that show you’re thinking deeply about what they’re saying. This practice can help deepen your understanding and connection with others.

Imagine you're at a networking event. You meet someone who works in an industry you're interested in. Instead of just asking, "What do you do?" try something like, "What challenges do you find most interesting in your work?" or "What’s a recent project you’re particularly proud of?" These kinds of questions can lead to richer conversations and help you stand out as someone who is thoughtful and genuinely interested.

Here's a story to illustrate this concept. Picture a classroom with two students, Anna and Ben. The teacher asks a question about the implications of climate change. Ben quickly answers with a textbook definition about rising temperatures and melting ice caps. Anna, on the other hand, asks, "How will climate change affect food production in developing countries?" This question shows she's thinking beyond the obvious and trying to connect the dots to a larger issue. The teacher and the class are more likely to remember Anna’s curiosity and depth than Ben’s rote answer.

By asking questions that dig deeper, you showcase your critical thinking skills and your willingness to engage with the world in a meaningful way. It’s not just about what you know, but how you approach what you don’t know. And that, my friend, is a powerful way to navigate both personal and professional relationships. So next time you find yourself in a conversation, think about the questions you ask—they might just reveal more about you than you realize.