In a world saturated with information, the ability to ask the right question is more valuable than ever. While answers or perhaps what seems like answers are abundant, and often a Google search away, the quality of the answers we receive or uncover depends largely on the quality of the questions we ask.

I wrote an article sometime last year “think like a child, reason like man” which explores the importance of asking questions. Feel free to download my free journal. A man once said; “The only true wisdom is in knowing that you know nothing, hence wanting to know.”

Asking questions may seem easy, but asking good questions is a skill and even an art. The right question can help one learn, solve problems, understand others, and build better relationships.

Why is asking questions important?

The unexamined life is not worth living. Questions are gateways to understanding. It is the first step to self-discovery, through introspection, as well as the cornerstone of critical thinking.

At a deeper level, questions invite dialogue and signal curiosity, openness, and respect. They show that one is not just interested in being heard, but in listening and learning.

Questions help one grow. They lead one to new ideas, help one make better choices, and show others that one cares. When one ask questions, one show curiosity and a willingness to learn. Every discovery, every invention, every good conversation starts with a question.

What are the barriers to asking good questions?

Despite its power, questioning is often underused. Common obstacles include:

• Fear of looking ignorant: Most individuals avoid asking questions to save face. But the truth is, we are only human, we don’t and can’t know everything. Knowledge isn’t a bus-stop, it’s a process, we learn and unlearn everyday.
• Ego: Some prefer giving answers to maintain control or authority. However true wisdom isn’t in the answer, but in the question that has led to the answer in the first place.
• Impatience: Asking thoughtful questions takes time and emotional presence.
• Cultural norms: In some environments, questioning authority or norms is discouraged.

Overcoming these barriers means valuing inquiry as a strength, not a weakness.

In conclusion, the art of asking questions is less about interrogation and more about illumination. It’s a practice of humility, empathy, and intelligence. In asking better questions, one doesn’t just gather better answers but also cultivate deeper understanding, richer connections, and wiser choices.

©️Victor E. Ojei, 2025.