Education · FORTUNE
Fortune #06
Good fortune
If you have been stuck at the same step, asking is part of learning. Show what you can do and point to where you lose the thread; a specific question invites a useful answer.
QUOTE CARD
A quote for you
“คำพูดที่ก่อให้เกิดคำถาม อาจไม่ใช่คำถามเลยก็ได้”
— นีล ดะแกรส ไทสัน
นักฟิสิกส์ดาราศาสตร์และนักสื่อสารวิทยาศาสตร์ชาวอเมริกัน
- Person
- Neil deGrasse Tyson
- Source work
- At an interview with Stephen Colbert at Montclair Kimberley Academy on January 29th, 2010, in response to the question "Why is there something instead of nothing", with the constraint of using ten words or less.
- Source text
- Words that make questions may not be questions at all.
STORY & REFLECTION
The Question Asked Too Late
John Randolph · a published anecdote
John Randolph travels on an unfamiliar road. At an inn, the host tries to ask where he is going, hoping to help, but Randolph brusquely says that he will go whichever way he wishes.
At a fork in the road, Randolph no longer knows which turn to take. He asks the host too late; the published tale says he chooses wrongly and loses time.
In learning, admitting a gap early gives someone a chance to help before you travel far in the wrong direction. Others should not have to guess where your understanding breaks.
Write one precise question and ask a teacher or friend. Asking early does not mean you have not tried; it helps the next effort go somewhere useful.
Reflection
A precise question can save hours of guessing.
A small action today
Write one precise question for a teacher or peer.
A question to reflect on
Where exactly are you stuck, and how could you describe it?