Do we have a fear of asking a “stupid” question or appearing ignorant? There’s a curiosity conundrum of why children ask “Why” and as adults, we stop.

These days it seems everyone has been conditioned to “pay and obey”. To do as we are told. Like scanning QR codes to buy a coffee or a meal, or do grocery shopping. Or completing and answering every question requested by government agencies and corporations. To answer questions that, quite frankly, are irrelevant to this situation, or none of their business.

Yet we go along with constant breaches of personal privacy, because it’s easier to conform than to question.

And when you do dare to ask the right questions, you’re often faced with silence – blank looks, or loud gulps… Because, it seems, most people have forgotten how to THINK.

Imagine if we had started out life in the same way. Not asking questions…

“Mom, why is the sky blue?” “Dad, why do birds fly?”

If you’ve spent any time around children, you’re likely familiar with the incessant barrage of “why” questions that pepper their conversations.

Curiosity seems to be an inherent trait in children, Yet, as we transition into adulthood, this insatiable curiosity often wanes, replaced by a sense of complacency and routine.

So, why do children ask “why”, and why do adults tend to stop?

Why Do Children Ask Why?

Children are natural-born explorers, seeking to understand the world around them. From the moment they learn to speak, “why” becomes their favorite word, serving as a gateway to knowledge and understanding.

But why do children ask “why” with such fervor?

1. Sense of Wonder:

Everything is new to children. They are absorbing a huge amount of information every moment of the day. Information that we just take for granted. Children are collecting data to store in their memory banks, while viewing the world with fresh eyes and boundless curiosity. Every experience is an opportunity for discovery, and “why” serves as their compass, guiding them on a journey of exploration.

2. Cognitive Development:

Developmental psychologists point to the cognitive milestones of childhood as drivers of curiosity. As children’s brains develop and their capacity for abstract thinking grows, they become increasingly curious about the underlying mechanisms of the world.

3. Social Learning:

As keen observers of the world around them, children dare to ask “Why?”, absorbing information through observation and imitation. By asking “why,” they not only seek answers but also engage in social learning, tapping into the knowledge of those around them.

4. Desire for Control:

Dare to ask “why?” is also a means for children to exert control over their environment. By understanding the reasons behind events, they gain a sense of agency and mastery over their surroundings.

Why Do Adults Not Ask Why?

While children embrace curiosity with open arms, adults often find themselves mired in the routine of daily life, complacent in their knowledge and routines. The question then arises: why do we stop asking “why” as we grow older?

1. Socialization:
Society plays a significant role in shaping our behaviour and attitudes towards curiosity. As children grow older, they are socialized to conform to societal norms and expectations, which may discourage questioning and exploration.

2. Fear of Judgment:
As adults, we become more self-conscious and wary of how others perceive us. The fear of asking a “stupid” question or appearing ignorant can inhibit our willingness to inquire, leading us to err on the side of caution rather than curiosity.

3. Time Constraints:
In the hustle and bustle of adult life, time becomes a precious commodity. With competing demands vying for our attention, we may prioritize efficiency over exploration, opting for quick answers rather than delving into deeper questions.

4. Expertise Bias:
As we gain expertise in certain areas, we may develop a false sense of certainty and stop questioning assumptions. This expertise bias can blind us to new perspectives and inhibit intellectual growth.

Fostering Curiosity in Adulthood:

While the transition from childhood curiosity to adult complacency may be inevitable, it is not irreversible. By cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning and embracing curiosity, we can reignite the flame of exploration and discovery.

1. Cultivate Curiosity:
Make a conscious effort to cultivate curiosity in your daily life. Approach each experience with an open mind and a willingness to ask questions. Embrace uncertainty as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat to be avoided.

2. Start questioning everything
Step out of your comfort zone and expose yourself to new ideas and experiences. Asking questions with an open mind will expand your world view. You’ll soon discover how few adults think about what or why they are doing anything. We live in a world of slave mentality and “Dunno, I’m only doing my job”

3. Encourage Questioning:
Create a culture of inquiry in your personal and professional life, where asking questions is not only encouraged but celebrated. Foster an environment where curiosity thrives, and individuals feel empowered to explore new ideas without fear of judgment.

4. Embrace the Unknown:
Embrace the unknown with curiosity rather than fear. Approach challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, and view setbacks as valuable lessons in disguise.

Ask Why With Genuine Interest

Curiosity is a fundamental human trait, driving us to explore, innovate, and evolve. While the transition from childhood curiosity to adult complacency may be common, it is not inevitable.

By understanding the psychology behind why children ask “why” and why adults often stop, we can take proactive steps to foster curiosity in ourselves and others.

So, dare to ask “why,” embrace the unknown, and embark on a lifelong journey of exploration and discovery.

It’s time to stop assuming that everything is hunky-dory. Presumptions and assumptions are the slave-masters tools to keep you under their control.

Asking more focused questions is a fundamental skill to master the art of writing Quantum Grammar contracts. Attend a day in a court room, and you’ll realize how many people have got themselves into trouble because they didn’t ask the right questions.