How many centuries — or millennia, even — has mankind searched for the answer to the question of life? Just what is the question of life, exactly?

To begin with, that’s the wrong question. Or as some of my less-erudite Appalachian relatives would say, that’s “pissing up a rope”. There is no way the effort can come out well.

I say that the day I stop learning is the day I embrace the Grim Reaper. And the day I stop questioning is the day I stop the pursuit of learning. (Okay, perhaps the world could do with a little more reaping… but that’s fodder for another article entirely.)

I have always taught that answers are only stepping stones. Any fool can find an answer. Answers are everywhere — especially bad ones. Take a look at Google or Yahoo and you’ll drown in answers of every stripe. Those who impress me are the ones who ask a good question… and then ask the next question.

Those who don’t ask the next question because they simply don’t see it, just need a little friendly coaxing. “Go ahead,” I’ll said. “What if…” But those who don’t ask because they are hesitant to lengthen the conversation, or because they somehow feel the answer will refute their claims, are not worth the answer. Not even the bad answer.

There are many legitimate reasons why you can fear the answer. An example would be when the policeman shows up at your door with a sad look on his face. The question could be, “What happened?” and the answer could be horrific. But only the dishonest fear the question.

A hint for seekers of peace and truth: That “next question” I’m talking about nearly always has a “why” in it.

Why do most children learn so much faster than adults? Because they want to. They will ask “why” until they get an answer that satisfies them, even if they have to go to someone else to get it. When a little girl wants information on ponies, no force on earth can stop her from obtaining that information. The child will find a way to get that knowledge.

We could all do well to take a page from their book.

Dr. Brewer’s writings have appeared in dozens of publications, including his own site.  His years as a teacher and engineer have given opportunity to help people rediscover the magical, liberating power of the words, “no” and “why”.