A More Beautiful Question

“Stay curious and question everything.”

beautiful question: n an ambitious yet actionable question that can begin to shift the way we perceive or think about something – and that might serve as a catalyst to bring about change.

In this episode, I talk to Warren Berger about the power of questions and questioning. I read his second book A More Beautiful Question a couple of years ago and left inspired and uplifted. It also had me questioning life in new ways. I believe questions have the power to bring about significant change, spark new ideas, solve problems, encourage growth and ultimately allow us to find greater joy. A beautiful conversation with a look of through provoking value. Enjoy!

Guest Bio

“Questionologist” Warren Berger has studied hundreds of leading innovators, entrepreneurs, and creative thinkers to learn how they ask questions, generate original ideas, and solve problems. He is the author of The Book of Beautiful Questions, A More Beautiful Question and the internationally acclaimed Glimmer, among other books. His writing appears in Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and The New York Times, and he speaks around the world about the power of questioning in business and education. He lives in New York. Visit his site www.amorebeautifulquestion.com for more.

My review of A More Beautiful Question below.

238: Book Reflections| A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas

Topics of discussion 

• Why we stop asking questions.
• Encourage questions through collaboration.
• Curiosity and questions. How do we express curiosity?
• Knowledge and curiosity.  Becoming a life-long learner.
• Questions and their part in the subconscious mind.
• What is a beautiful question? Ambitious, Actionable & Change Making.
• How can we start asking more questions?

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Cutting myself off for periods of time to think and create.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Take more risks.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

Feeling fulfilled with work and life.

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity? 

Advanced planning and creating outlines.

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

Steak.

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Writing.

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

Crime and Punishment: Pevear & Volokhonsky Translation (Vintage Classics) by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

The Book of Beautiful Questions: The Powerful Questions That Will Help You Decide, Create, Connect, and Lead by Warren Berger

A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas by Warren Berger

Glimmer: How design can transform your business, your life, and maybe even the world by Warren Berger (2011-06-02) by Warren Berger

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world? 

“Stay curious and question everything.”

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

Yes, probably. There are various levels of why.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

Trying to figure out new things.

How to connect with Warren 

Warren is on twitter @glimmerman and can be found via his website here – http://amorebeautifulquestion.com/

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.