Ask a Stupid Question

In defense of being wrong

“In many fields, even incorrect theories or conclusions can contribute to a deeper understanding of a subject, if a critique of those theories and conclusions leads to a more thorough examination of what both sides believed before the controversy, while an automatic dismissal adds nothing to our understanding and may even convince some observers that nothing rational can be said against the theory, when in fact much that is rational could be said against it. If nothing else, a serious critique can demonstrate which statements on either side can and cannot stand up under scrutiny.”

— Conquests and Cultures: An International History by Thomas Sowell

When I first read that passage, I remembered something I used to do in classes. To preface this, it was college the second time around. I first went off to college as an 18 year old with broken spirit. Nearly twenty years later I went back to college as the mother of four who had endured much. I needed a degree, and I still loved to learn - nothing ever managed to kill that, although it was at times stilled to the point of stasis - and I had learned how not to give a damn. So, I asked stupid questions. When I saw that a point wasn’t clear, or a young classmate looked confused, I’d put up a hand and ask the question I thought might clarify the point for them. Or if it was me, needing to be sure of an answer, I’d ask. My pride was long gone, by then. Also, seeing it as a way to help others made me happy to play the dunce if that’s what it took.

Sometimes, we need to be wrong, or at least be willing to be wrong, in order to learn and understand something. A true test of a hypothesis can only come when you are willing to be incorrect. If you are not, then you won’t test to destruction and you’ll never know if your idea is a true one.

Sowell’s point, that we must be humble in our assumptions, is one I take to heart. I’m always willing to engage in a rousing debate if both sides are in earnest. I’m willing to be wrong. Sometimes, I’ll walk away from an argument if it’s obvious that the other side isn’t willing to have an open mind and consider that they might need to engage in critical thinking. Fighting from emotions is no way to win an honest point. You might feel a thing deeply, and yet it still isn’t true.

It is also a red flag, when a stance is taken without any criticism allowed of it. That’s dangerous. It builds up as true something that hadn’t been tested, possibly cannot be, as the authority propping it up may know that it isn’t based in reality. Difficulty is the only path to take, when you are trying to prove a theory. Easy means that you aren’t willing to be wrong, to admit that this idea may fail. Enforcement of the idea on those around you, without first allowing for debate and argument on all sides (for there are rarely only two) should engender suspicion, not trust.

We ought to look very closely at those things which are not allowed to be questioned. Ask stupid questions, because whether they are truly ignorant, or just needing to probe deeper into assumptions made by all around you, is a matter of perspective.