Questions Better Asked by Leigh Martinuzzi

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi 

“The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge.” Thomas Berger

To ask questions is to live with an inquisitive, curious and progressive mind. Questions have the power to enhance the quality of our life, and we need to encourage each other to ask more. All questions lead to answers, and all responses have a purpose. Needless to say, no question is a wrong question, the only unfortunate question is one never asked.

When we ask questions we learn, we grow, we develop our awareness, and as we do, we begin to understand. What harm can come from that?

Understanding raises compassion, that is good for our relationships, our love for others, the progressiveness and harmony of humanity moving forward.

Understanding sparks our passions, helps grow curiosity, gives rise to our level of purpose and significance in life.

Understanding leads to growth, an enhanced ability to express ourselves and the improvement of our life.

Asking questions creates understanding and may even help us bring an answer one of the most significant questions of all time. What is the meaning of life?

The meaning of life is to live a meaningful life and the path there we reach by asking questions. Humans are inquisitive and curious by design, a purpose that assists survival and progression and best explored by asking great questions.

Below are a series of questions that I believe, in reflection, may lead each of us towards better and more meaningful lives. These are questions that I’ve learnt from mentors, friends, people I’ve interviewed and questions I’ve asked myself.

• What brings me joy?
• What are my passions?
• What do I want in life?
• What do I value?
• If at my funeral I was a fly on the wall what would I wish for people to say or remember me by?
• If I could do anything at all with my life, without limitation or restriction, what would I do?
• Who do I admire and why?
• What is the purpose of doing this?
• What is the purpose of thinking this?
• What is the purpose of saying this?
• What is the purpose of wanting/needing/feeling this?
• What is my deepest source of motivation?

“I am just a child who has never grown up. I still keep asking these ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions. Occasionally, I find an answer.” Stephen Hawking

• What do I want to move toward?
• How do I want to live my life?
• How can I better serve others?
• How can I improve this?
• How could this be better?
• How can I do this differently?
• What if I did the opposite?
• If I were to die tomorrow would I have regret?
• Why does this matter?
• What is the worst possible scenario?
• What is the result of not doing/thinking/saying this?
• Does this matter?
• Why?

“Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.” Tony Robbins

Define success as to how it best suits the life you wish to live. To reach that level of success, as it is important to you, ask questions! Questions are the best form of self-enquiry. In reflection to the answers we seek, we can gain better clarity, self-awareness and control of the mind. And I believe that is the path to enlightenment.

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.