You have probably heard the phrase there are no stupid questions, either from a professor or a random quote in the internet. When it comes to classroom environment questions are welcome, even encouraged, but what about outside the classroom? There is a certain reluctance when asking a question in general, either fearing a sarcastic comment or people rolling their eyes at you.
The way I see it if you do not know the answer to your question then it isn’t a stupid question. When it comes to a stupid question, every individual has a different consideration to what that question might be. Asking a scientist “Why we have clouds?” or “How do rainbows form?” to a scientist and even common individuals it is general knowledge and might find it stupid. However, to the person asking this might be something they genuinely have no knowledge of or still does not fully comprehend. Questions sometimes do not tend to be stupid unless the person being asked says it is. A person’s lack of knowledge should not be laughed at if they are sincere in what they are asking.
A truly stupid question can be considered as asking something obvious. This can fall under questions such as “Is rain wet?” or “Are you reading?” when you are clearly holding a book to your face. Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between a person’s ignorance and a person trying to be funny. When it comes to thinking about stupid questions many might consider this the act of asking without thinking. The definition and relevance to a question varies for each person.
Questions have a time and place, especially if it is being asked outside a classroom setting. Dumb questions can be considered as something irrelevant to the situation. Sometimes these dumb questions could be answered with using your logic or a quick google search. The definition of a stupid question or relevance to a question varies for each person.
Ignorance is something common, not everyone will have knowledge to every topic out there, but it is a responsibility to educate ourselves over things we have no knowledge of. That may be by asking questions or a google search. There should not be shame to people looking to expand their knowledge no matter the topic. You should not be afraid in asking a question even if it feels stupid. What is important is that you want to understand and learn.
