There are no stupid questions, just stupid answers. That may seem like a really convincing way to put things into perspectives but for argument’s sake, I shall argue in the capacity of myself, in all my shortcomings and drawbacks.

There is also the other perspective: That the short answer is yes, but it is obvious that there would be much contention with such a statement. I have seen many people asking seemingly thoughtless and weird questions that stymies intellectual discourses and turns many right off from the start. Depending on what approach or mind-set you adopt, there can either be no stupid questions ever, or that all questions are stupid, of course the gradient on which side of the “stupidity” line to fall nearer to is subjective.

 

However, we must not adopt such a parochial perspective of something so much larger than what it really is. I believe that asking questions is a beautiful habit many fear throughout their lives. It may be a Singaporean thing, or a basic human condition, but it sure instils a lot of fear within you—fear of all the negativity surrounding you thereafter a poser you have made, whether deliberate or accidental. We all know some pretty screwed up times where something nasty occurred simply because we did not bother to ask, or reserved our clarification in gratifying conscience that others will not have the chance to mock at your level of intellect.

I think that because we all have different learning curves, perspectives and understanding, we cannot brand someone’s question as stupid or bad in that sense. What may be dumb to us may be a great revelation to others, depending on their pre-conceived notions and thoughts in inchoation. We must not sit happily at the top of our ivory tower and laugh at those who are merely clarifying what is dubious or unclear to them. We should help clarify, if anything, and not mock their passion to learn.

There is a common slope that we all slide down once in a while too, to mutter under our breathes and turn away slightly when others are giving a poser, be it in a group interview, forum or corporate meeting. Even I am guilty of such nonsense and “ugly displays of disgust” so you can point the finger at me all you want. We have to all learn to stop that. It is ridiculous when you actually spend some time to sit and think about it. All the person ever wanted was to learn and clarify. The question may be phrased wrongly or said in a bad tone, but who cares? If the person replying is smart enough and there is sincerity in the question, the answer will be the one that defines whether or not it will be a fruitful conversation. Anyone and everyone else can learn from that, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that. Most of the time, little people mock and snide at those who are willing to put their neck on the line and ask for what matter to them — and I respect that. We have to be bigger than all of the name-callings and mutterings of childish commentary. To qualify my initial stand, generally there are no stupid questions, unless the intention was deliberate and done with intentional mockery in mind.

Remember, an obvious question is not a stupid question. It is merely a question that requires a reiteration, nothing more, nothing less.

I guess I shall end by reiterating my opening statement that there are no stupid questions, just stupid answers, or rather, how stupid a question may seem depends on the answer given. If you need more evidence, observe some of the interviews during the Singapore General Election 2011 closely to have a better idea, and may be you will see more truth in what I am stating.

 

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