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"答えられない質問は、通常、疑問視できない答えよりもはるかに良い。"

Yuval Noah Harari
Yuval Noah Harari Historian and Author
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Quote meaning
Sometimes, the questions we can't answer are more valuable than the answers we can't challenge. Let’s break this down. When we encounter questions that stump us, they push us to think deeper, to explore, to grow. These questions open up a world of possibilities and learning. On the other hand, answers that we are not allowed to question can limit our understanding, keeping us in the dark or stuck in our ways.

Historically, this idea resonates with the philosophy of Socratic questioning. Socrates believed that asking deep, probing questions stimulated critical thinking and illuminated ideas. He didn't hand out answers on a silver platter; he guided people to discover truths for themselves. This method showed that the journey to understanding is often more important than the destination. It’s the process of grappling with the unknown that truly enriches us.

Imagine a scientist working on a groundbreaking theory. Instead of just accepting existing theories at face value, they ask questions that no one has answered yet. These unanswered questions lead to experiments, research, and eventually, new discoveries that advance human knowledge. If the scientist simply accepted the status quo and didn’t challenge existing answers, progress would grind to a halt.

For practical advice, embrace curiosity. Whenever you encounter something you don’t understand, dig deeper. Ask yourself questions, even if the answers aren’t immediately clear. Challenge the status quo. If someone gives you an answer that you can’t question, be wary. Seek out information, explore different perspectives, and don’t settle for easy answers.

Think about the way children learn. They’re constantly asking “why.” Why is the sky blue? Why do we have to sleep? Their endless stream of questions might seem tiring, but it’s their natural way of understanding the world. They don’t just accept things as they are; they want to know the reasons behind them. As we grow older, we sometimes lose this sense of wonder and become content with easy answers. But what if we kept that childlike curiosity alive?

Take the story of a young programmer named Alex. Alex was passionate about coding and often found themselves puzzled by complex problems. Instead of just relying on pre-written code snippets and existing solutions, Alex delved into the mechanics of programming languages. They asked questions that didn’t have straightforward answers: “Why does this algorithm work faster?” or “How can I make this code more efficient?” Through this process, Alex learned more than any textbook could teach. They became a better programmer, not because they had all the answers, but because they embraced the questions.

In your own life, think about areas where you might be accepting answers without question. Are there beliefs or practices you follow simply because “that’s the way it’s always been done”? Challenge them. Ask questions. You might not find immediate answers, but the process will lead you to a deeper understanding and personal growth.

So, the next time you face a tough question, don’t shy away. Embrace it. Let it guide you to new insights and knowledge. And remember, it’s the questions we can’t answer that often lead us to the most profound discoveries.
Related tags
Answers Critical thinking Curiosity Growth mindset Intellectual humility Open-mindedness Philosophy Questions Self-improvement Skepticism
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