Lately, amidst the throes of adulthood and its shenanigans, I’ve been doing quite a bit of soul-searching, especially regarding my career choices thus far and the motives behind them.

It has been an interesting experience. And as I gain greater clarity on the issue at hand, a significant observation emerges: many of my decisions were driven merely by what seemed to be common sense. I failed to question these decisions. As you may have already figured out, it hasn’t always ended well for me.

We are naturally curious creatures. Children are known for their inquisitive nature, always seeking to grasp the “why” behind their surroundings. They constantly pose questions to the adults around them and often persist until they receive satisfactory explanations for topics like why the sky is blue or how babies make their way into a mother’s womb.

So why do we stop asking questions as we get older?

With age comes experience. In simple terms, we gain more knowledge and ask fewer questions, and the curious wonder that once filled our minds is gradually replaced by insidious “common sense.” Where we once inquired, we now infer.

Beyond our experiential knowledge of the world, we also belong to a society designed to stifle every hint of creative and analytical reasoning that stems from a curious mind. Schools teach us to follow instructions and stay in line. External society encourages us to fit into a predefined social mould, and we adopt the fear of judgement for not complying.

However, true enlightenment of any form begins with asking the right questions.

Novel ideas are born from curiosity. What sets the Stone Age apart from modern civilization is that certain remarkable individuals, by daring to question the conventions of their time, sparked discoveries that continue to shape our world today.

You may not seek to transform civilization as a whole, but I am sure you could benefit from some transformation in one aspect of your life or another. The key to the change you seek is asking the right questions.

Question everything. Question the things you know and the things you don’t know. Question societal norms and generally accepted beliefs. Question your intentions and motives. Question your fears, insecurities, and limitations. Don’t just follow your heart; question it. Sometimes, our “heart desires” aren’t ours, but a reflection of external influences. Do you really want that thing? Or do you fancy it just because everyone else does?

You learn a lot about yourself and the world around you simply by asking the right questions.

Asking the right questions with an open mind often leads to a journey of truth-seeking and discovery. Like an archaeologist seeking Earth’s treasures, you unearth gems hidden from the common man, which becomes your advantage.

The answers you find may go against the norms of society, and that’s okay. Be a contrarian if you have to. Sometimes the paths less travelled lead to the best destinations.

What do you need to question today?