We’ve grown up hearing that there’s no such thing as a stupid question. But even a so-called stupid person may sometimes feel that this is so far off from the truth. With that said, let’s get to the origin of the entire trail of thought … what’s in a stupid question?
What makes a question stupid?
On one occasion a woman posted on Facebook: “My boyfriend got his side bit*h pregnant but we both love each other. Should I stay?” And someone responded to her question, “Yes, you should stay. They’ll need a clown for the kid’s birthday parties.” Now, I have to admit that I found that response remarkably hilarious.
But then I thought about both the question and the response some more and I came to a premature conclusion. What appeared to be a stupid question could have actually been an act done out of pure delusion or ignorance. To test this idea, I thought of some more potentially stupid questions as seen below:
- If I have sex with a whore, do I become a whore?
- If you die, then are you dead?
- What comes after the number three?
- Can a dog and a cat produce a pig?
- If I play with fire, will I get burnt?
- Is the sun hot or cold?
- Can you make a baby with your clothes on?
Confirming the truth about stupid questions
Somewhat surprising (or not!), I found it challenging to think of a single, stupid question. At first, each of the above questions contained a hint of apparent stupidity. But the more I processed them the less stupid they seemed. The one questioning about sex and the whore could be 3 years old and heard the words for the first time and became curious; the one asking about life after death may be uncertain if he/she wants to believe in religion or atheism; and the one asking about fire may not properly understand the correlation between heat and physical properties.
While rereading each of the above questions (when I’d first thought any of them were stupid) something unexpected happened. I kept asking myself: why do I find this stupid? And I realized it was simply due to me thinking in a linear manner. For instance: this is supposed to be common knowledge, this is too easy for them to not know. How can they not know the sun is hot? And if they really have to ask what comes after the number three then they really must be stupid. And don’t get me started on that question about babies! How could someone ask such a thing?
Think before you judge
Because we may be experienced or knowledgeable and are used to interacting with others who are on the same page with us mentally, it’s easy to start taking what other people may or may not know for granted. Sometimes, for whatever reason, people literally may not know what the answer to a question is. And so they may decide to ask, hoping they won’t be ridiculed for it.
The moment you start scoffing at others as soon as you deem what they ask to be stupid, you run the risk of alienating them. Your actions can truly make them feel as though they are nothing more than a fool. Just think how an adult who does not know how to read or write (but really wants to) may feel. Making a mockery of these people can do much more harm than good.
Being smart does not mean you’re not stupid
Always keep in mind that what you know should not be used as a benchmark for what everyone else should know; the knowledge you posses is generally derived from a micro perspective. If you compare everything you know to the world itself you will quickly realize how little you actually do know as well.
Of course, like many people, I can simply hold onto some of my personal beliefs as to the type of questions I may always find to be stupid. Prime examples are: would you rather have sex everyday or eat meat once in the name of love? or Would you rather marry a good girl who would support you or a bad one who would break your heart? I may have my preferences but if you ask anyone what’s the definition of sex, love, good or bad you may probably get a plethora of answers.
The point is there could be as many people who prefer a more adventurous girl (or boy) over a safe one. Some would prefer hot sex over love and just as many would prefer vice versa. To either of the aforementioned people, asking questions relative to any of the above may not necessarily be stupid. And this is especially based on the context the questions come about.
Embrace the “stupidity”
So now it can properly be concluded: Yes, there really may be no such thing as a stupid question after all. Because even when people ask you “stupid things” you can easily use this to your advantage. By taking sufficient time to evaluate what is being asked, you can quickly discover just how smart (or stupid) you may really be. You only need to think things through in complete detail and from every possible angle.
But if you’re truly smart you would quickly grasp something obvious. Judging the questions of others solely based on your viewpoint is the only sure way you can be stupid. Now, dare I ask … do you like making babies with your clothes on? You would like that, wouldn’t you? When’s the last time you did it? Are you a freak?
