Accepting a fact, without understanding the basis or rationale behind it, can lead us into trouble. Many are no longer being taught to probe and inquire into the reasons behind what is being offered as fact. Blind acceptance is equivalent to leaving one’s brain at the door. The student who blindly accepts an instructor’s potentially erroneous statements becomes the employee who lacks the initiative and creativity to solve important problems.
Properly asked, the simple question “Why?” performs three functions:
- It shows the person making the statement that the hearer has listened and wants to comprehend the reasons behind the statement.
- It requires the individual to objectively defend their statement.
- It requires the listener to determine whether there is a basis in fact for what has been stated.
Make “Why?” a part of your daily lexicon.
