The Power of Asking ‘Why’: Discovering Purpose, Creativity, and Personal Growth

Why is it that only birds are capable of flight?” My little one asked curiously. “Father, how do fish swim?” inquired further.

“Appa, why aren’t we going back to our hometown?” My child pondered aloud. “Appa, why do some people sleep on the sides of the road?” asked, seeking knowledge.

As a parent, I sometimes feel a sense of irritation when faced with these questions. Perhaps it is because I do not know the answer, or I am too lazy to find and explain it, or I feel that the question is too simple. However, I recognize that it is important to encourage my child’s curiosity and help them learn about the world around them.

Robin Sharma in his book says:

“Knowing your purpose in life is the first step in living a life of purpose.”

This quote emphasizes the importance of asking “why” and discovering one’s purpose in life. Without a clear understanding of why we are here and what we are meant to do, it can be difficult to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. By asking “why,” we can begin to uncover our passions, values, and goals, and use that knowledge to guide our actions and decisions.

The Power of Asking “Why”: From Einstein to Steve Jobs

Einstein about asking questions — If I get 60 mins to solve a problem and my life depends on it, will spend the first 55 mins in finding the right question to ask and the remaining 5 mins to solve the problem

Back in 1943 at Santa Fe 3-year Jennifer asked her father Edwin Land during a vacation after taking a picture, why can’t we see the picture immediately — and her father found Polaroid

Why apple fell from a tree but the moon, not on earth? — gravity discovered

Studs Terkel — author of Working

Studs Terkel was an American author, historian, and broadcaster who wrote extensively about the power of asking “why” in his book “Working.” He believed that asking questions about the meaning and purpose of work was crucial for understanding the human experience and achieving personal fulfillment.

Stuart Scott once stopped and asked by a reporter— ask only one question — check YouTube video

Stuart Scott was a sports journalist and anchor who passed away in 2015. He is known for his inspirational quotes and speeches, and he has talked about the power of questioning in his work.

Here are a few quotes from Stuart Scott that relate to the power of questioning and asking “why”:

“Ask why until you understand something deeply enough to explain it to a child.”

The Benefits of Questioning: Creativity, Understanding, and Communication

Questioning is a powerful tool that every designer should be able to use fluently. As part of a design thinking process, questions can help understand a situation and get valuable insights. They can also foster creativity and innovation within an organization and help teams align and unite.

It plays the following roles:

• Builds a better and deeper understanding of a topic.
• It develops the quality of communication with others
• It reflects one’s point of view and valuable ideas.
• It helps to clear out doubts and contradictions.

1. Albert Einstein — One of the most famous examples of a person who asked “why” and became enlightened is Albert Einstein. As a young man, he was puzzled by the behavior of light and wondered why it always traveled at the same speed, regardless of the speed of its source. This led him to develop his theory of relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of the universe.
2. Steve Jobs — Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, was known for his curiosity and his constant questioning of the status quo. When he returned to Apple in the late 1990s, he asked his design team why computers had to look the way they did. This led to the development of the iMac, which was a groundbreaking design at the time.
3. Marie Curie — Marie Curie was a physicist and chemist who made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of radioactivity. She was driven by a deep curiosity and a desire to understand the nature of the world around her. Her discoveries led to the development of nuclear energy and the field of nuclear medicine.
4. Galileo Galilei — Galileo Galilei was a scientist who challenged the prevailing ideas of his time and helped to usher in the Scientific Revolution. He asked “why” and sought evidence to support his theories, rather than accepting the dogma of the day. His discoveries and ideas laid the groundwork for modern physics and astronomy.
5. Nelson Mandela — Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa, asked “why” and challenged the injustices of the apartheid system. His tireless work for racial equality and social justice led to his imprisonment, but ultimately to his release and the dismantling of the apartheid system.

Finding Purpose Through Questioning: Reflection and Personal Growth

Throughout my entire time in college, I never once stopped to question the purpose of my studies. It was simply something that my father had put me through, and so I went along with it. I always played it safe, too scared to take a chance on failure. But then, in my last semester, I experienced the devastating blow of failure for the first time. It shook me to my core, and I found myself asking the question that had been buried deep within me for so long — why? Why had I been pushed down this path without ever being given a choice?

This failure was a turning point for me. It was the first time that I really began to explore the world around me and to discover the beauty in life. I began to develop a philosophical perspective on my existence and to live my life with mindfulness. Through this, I realized that life offers us the ability to learn everything, even from our failures. And so, from the ashes of my past, I arose, ready to tackle whatever challenges the world had in store for me.

I’ve always wanted to live life to the fullest, but it hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced a lot of challenges, including job losses and setbacks. Despite putting in all my effort, I’ve often found myself without a job and struggling to make ends meet.

I used to try to go with the flow of life, like a river carrying me along. I’d reach out and try to grab whatever opportunities came my way. But more often than not, I’d end up with nothing, my hands empty and my spirit crushed.

I used to ask myself, “Why? Why me?” But then I realized that life is full of surprises, both good and bad. Instead of analyzing the past, I started asking myself more meaningful questions, like “Why am I still alive? Why am I here in this moment? Why am I reading this?”

I’ve come to see that pointless questions get me nowhere. They just waste my time and sap my energy. Instead, I now ask myself, “Why am I still doing nothing? Why am I not running? Why am I not answering my kids’ questions?” These are the questions that matter, the ones that inspire action and make me feel alive.

I’ve learned that I can’t waste my “superhero power” on useless things like gossip or self-doubt. I need to use that power to take action and make the most of every moment. So now, I don’t just go with the flow of life. I take charge of my own destiny, and I encourage you to do the same. Don’t wait for life to happen to you.

Just do it.