Stupid Questions

Sometimes you just have to pay respect to your own simpleness.

Sean Paul
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I don't need to read the instructions. I know how to put this barbeque together.
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Okay, hand me the instructions.

I don't need to ask directions. I can find my way.
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Okay. I'm lost.

No, I don't need gloves. It'll only take me a few minutes to shovel the snow off the walk.
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Okay, where are those gloves.

I quit smoking. That was my last cigarette.
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All right, I lied.

It takes some people a long timer to learn that sometimes it's okay to be a simple minded fool if you are facing a problem you don't understand. There's a Chinese proverb that reads "He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever."

I must confess I was one of those who refused to ask. The habit developed in my childhood when the answer to almost every questions I asked was prefaced by "You don't know that? What's the matter with you? Where have you been?" It made me wary of asking questions. So I got lost and made a mess with the barbeque.

One should treat genuine simpletons with patience and compassion. But what's wrong with appearing to be a simpleton in someone else's eyes if it means finding out what you need to know? Nothing.

I know a well educated man who says there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers.

I finally learned my lesson by observing other people and how they deal with things. Now if I ask a question and am treated with scorn because I ask it, I smile patiently and wait for the answer, and if I don't get it I'll ask someone else. And, what's even more important, if someone asks me what I consider a foolish question I give an honest answer.

I may risk losing a chance for a little humor, but it's worth it to help make a peaceful world.

DB - The Vagabond
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AUTUMN QUESTION

(This is not a contest.)

At what event of the past do you wish you could be present? Why?

4 responses so far.

dbdacoba@aol.com

Thank you.
DB
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