Growth and individuality.
These two ideas go right to the heart of my motivation to blog.
He who asks a question is a fool for a minute; he who does not remains a fool forever.
~ Chinese Proverb
The willingness to ask questions stems directly from a willingness to admit you have something to learn. Without this growth is impossible. If you’re not willing to look stupid for a moment, to be humbled, you cannot gain the knowledge and wisdom that garnishes true respect, not to mention the respect that's issued to someone who shows a willingness to be humble and admit they don’t have all the answers.
It’s my belief that respect forms the backbone of every single relationship in our lives. From work friends to close friends to girl/boyfriends to dolphin friends. If respect is compromised you will always find the relationship dissolving.
The simple act of asking someone a question shows respect by demonstrating that they know something you don’t. This respect is then returned - well, if the person shows they have at least listened to the answer the person has given - this being an integral part of respect also.
There is another crucial point here though. Asking questions and giving active, intelligent thought to the answers and the merit you believe they hold is what helps us form our individual identities. Furthermore, our willingness to express our individual thoughts and challenge those around us, and in turn be challenged, maintaining respect for each persons individuality at all times, is what feeds all growth and change. From each individual relationship this approach of respectful questioning, openness and honesty is what fuels real social revolution.
If we are not willing to ask questions and then question the answers we get (although in a respectful manner) we are merely sheep; cookie-cutter clones and mindless followers. Growth is lost. Individuality is lost.
One of my favourite people to quote is Ralph Waldo Emerson. This is taking a very small part of a larger, more in depth statement, but he says in Self-Reliance - Imitation is suicide. Be accepting of self but determined to grow and discover further the individuality that defines you. This will in turn make you the most beneficial to those around you and society as a whole.
I'll leave you with one statement that rounds this subject out, in the words of a recently-passed revolutionary of our modern culture.
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.
~ Steve Jobs
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