Do What Einstein Would...

Curiosity is a very important part of human nature. The modern lifestyle that we enjoy today is as a result of the countless questions that our ancestors asked and were answered over the centuries.

If there was no curiosity, there would be no questions. Curiosity is indeed the mother of innovation. And, questions manifest curiosity.

If you ever feel embarrassed because you always seem to have a lot of questions in your head or worry about bothering people by asking too many questions, stop feeling so. On the contrary, you are doing exactly the right thing. A person not ashamed to ask questions is a person who will grow, rather than one who stagnates.

This world is a quickly changing one. If anyone out there believes he has already understood everything there is to understand, then he is either a rare genius or a complete fool.

If you never engage in thinking, of course, you will never have any questions. The more you think, the more you will find things that you do not understand, and therefore the more questions you will have.

One of the consistent traits of great men and women throughout history is curiosity. Louis Pasteur, Madame Curie, Thomas Edison - none of these people made it to the hall of fame without possessing an intense curiosity.

Albert Einstein is perhaps one of the most famous for his great curiosity. He asked countless questions everyday, to others and especially to himself.

In his famous letter to Otto Juliusburger, Einstein wrote: "People like you and I, though mortal of course like everyone else, do not grow old no matter how long we live...[We] never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born."

When Einstein was interviewed about his secrets of success, he said, "I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious."

He also added, "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing."

Many adults find it difficult to ask questions as doing so requires tremendous humility. They feel that if they ask questions they are exposing their weaknesses and might be placed in a vulnerable spot. These people, therefore, pretend that they know everything. When people talk about something unfamiliar to them, they will just nod their heads and smile, as if they know exactly what is being discussed.

These people are fools. Little did they know that by being reluctant to ask questions, they are sinking deeper and deeper into the sea of ignorance. The more successful their pretence becomes, the more difficult they find getting out of the mud. In order to not reveal their true identity of naivety, there is nothing they can do but to use another lie to cover the first lie.

These people are doomed. They will never be able to change the inevitable fate that awaits them - to eventually become absolutely irrelevant.

To those who are students - Do not ever be afraid to raise your hand and ask questions in class when you need further explanation. If your teacher is ever unhappy because you 'ask too many questions', do not be discouraged. Not all teachers are right. As long as you do so in good faith and all the questions you ask are intelligent, you will have done your job as a student. Never turn into a quiet student and join the silent majority.

To those who are parents - If you find your child constantly 'disturbing' you with lots of why's and how's, do not be upset; rather be very, very happy about it. This inquisitive child of yours may turn out to be an outstanding person.

To those who are teachers - If your students ask questions in class, do not ever feel that this is a sign of disrespect. In fact, pay particular attention to these ‘troublemakers’. They are most likely the only ones who are genuinely interested in your class and the subject matter.

So do not ever stop asking questions. Be like Einstein - ask your way to success!

“Life is about constantly going beyond limits!”
- Erican Chong