Question: A QUEST that needs an ac-TION

Every question needs an answer, right? Or maybe sometimes we just choose not to answer it for some reasons - reasons that we cannot afford to accept or understand; the reasons that will keep us hanging at some point.

The moment we gain our curiosity, is the moment we started to see everything as a question. We eventually meet the question “WHY?” We questioned everything around us as if it we are running for our lives. We never stop asking until we find an understandable answer for our question.

I suddenly remembered this textbook I read during my childhood days. I have this big book, which is consisted with different stories and fairytales. It is a children book gave to me by my grandmother. I forgot the title but I can still remember this one story.

There’s a young boy who was curious about everything around him. He always ask his mother about the things he touch, sees, smell, or feel. He never stopped asking and asking all over again. His mother told him to be careful with everything he is curious about as it may bring danger to him. One day, her mother is cooking in the kitchen when the young boy suddenly came out of nowhere. His mother was shocked causing her to spill some ketchup on her dress. She immediately change her clothes, leaving the young boy alone. Before she leave, he told the young boy not to touch anything on the kitchen.

Because that boy is unstoppable with his curiosity, he decided to take a look around the things in the kitchen. His attention got caught by a shining light in the table. He found a knife beside the chopping board. He got curious of what it is called, or what is its function. He grab the knife and accidentally cut his skin in his hand, causing his hand to bleed. He started to cry out loud, making his mother rushed towards him. After seeing the situation, the mother grab the first aid kit tool and treat the wound.

Because of that incident, the boy stopped his curiosity over things. He realized the possible outcomes of being a curious one and that his mother is right – curiosity can bring someone to danger.

In our life, there will be no single day that we didn’t ask a question. Every question that is answered is a gained knowledge. We learn things because we ask. However, there is a limit with everything. We cannot just do as we please. We cannot just ask because we want to. We have a lot to consider first.

Have you realized that whenever someone asks us a question, we are challenged to answer it? It's like a quest from them, and we need to act in order to answer it. For example, during class hours, a teacher asked a student, and the student will act by raising her hand and answering the question. For every quest we have, there is always an act involved.

I'm surprised with myself after I came up with my tonight's topic. It seems so eye-catching and a witty one. Please say I'm not the only one who thinks that way. Hahaha

But, the real idea is that, why do we ask a question?

• We discover something new

  By receiving an answer to our query, we are discovering something new. We are gaining knowledge, ideas or information. It may not automatically lead us to a new direction, but there's a possibility that these new ideas we gain will help us to be a successful one in the future.

• We resolve issues

  As the saying goes, "Lahat ay nadadaan sa mabuting usapan" (Everything goes through a good conversation). When we have a misunderstanding, we can resolve it by asking simple questions first. It might not be related to your previous topic, but it can ease the tension between the two. Also, by asking questions, we can understand both our feelings and finally understand our situations.

• We understand people better

  One way of knowing and understanding people is getting to know them. When we asked something about a person, we are getting to know them more. We all try to be understood, not because we want to always lead the way but because we wanted to feel important. Understanding people builds trust.

• We eliminates confusions

  Confusion is sometimes the root of misunderstandings. We always have these pre-conceived assumptions and lack of knowledge that causes confusions between two parties. So asking will define a clear path and bring everyone on the same page.

As what Eugene Jonesco said, "It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question." Indeed that if no one asks, then there will be no answer. It was just like a music without sound. If there is no voice, there will be no music. There will be no output. We might be confused with the question, but one thing's for sure, it always holds the answer. :)

I'm a little too late for this writing prompt by Ms @JonicaBradley but I guess it's better late than never. :) She published this Writing Prompt #5: Questions 2 weeks ago. Have some time to read it. :)

If you want to ask me a question, what would it be?

Thank you for reading! Hope you had fun. :)

For the sources, just click the image :)

The lead image is a free image from unsplash! :)