One recent morning, I overheard a college student asking for clarification about something in the library café. She read the sign but didn’t quite understand it so she asked for clarification. What followed was a short conversation of explanation with the café employee. Then I heard the student’s smile come through in the sound of her voice without ever having to look at her. She was relieved to have the answer and to know that she had misunderstood the sign.
It got me to thinking about all the times I have asked for clarification. I know my questions have sounded silly and even downright stupid to some, but I needed an answer as sometimes my brain doesn’t process things the way others do. Questions have always served me well so my brain kept firing until it got to the point.
Go ahead! Ask the stupid questions. Why? Because just because they’re stupid questions to one person doesn’t mean that they are stupid questions to everyone.
Besides, how else do I learn if I don’t ask ALL the questions – yes, even the stupid ones. I continue to be stupid if I don’t gain the knowledge so I ask the questions.
I know that people don’t like the word stupid, but I’m not that easily upset. That’s one of the reasons I’m able to ask the stupid questions without concern. I don’t care if some thinks it’s a stupid question. I need an answer so I ask a question. That’s a really simple solution.
The next time you are hesitant to ask any question because you are afraid it sounds stupid, ask yourself this: Is it smarter to ask a question for which you genuinely need an answer, or is it smarter to think someone is asking a stupid question? Hands down, the person who is expanding his or her knowledge is smarter in that moment than the one who is judging.
So I repeat the advice: Ask the stupid questions.
All Things Subject to Change 
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