Why

I think for as long as I can remember I’ve been intrigued by the question why. It’s a simple question, maybe the simplest of them all. Why do we act the way we do? Why do we want the things we want? Why do we say the things we say? Why do I feel the need to continue posting my thoughts online? And why are you taking the time to read them? 

Indeed, why is a question we’re all familiar with. It’s a question we grew up with as children, but as we age into adulthood we find ourselves asking it less and less. Yet this is precisely the time when we should be asking it more, because in seeking to answer why we learn so much about ourselves and the world around us. 

Asking why teaches how to be patient. It helps us become compassionate of those around us. We learn to approach others with a sense curiosity instead of judgment. We learn to see things from our counterpart’s perspective, and we learn that – even if we don’t agree with the logic or outcome of someone’s actions – they were often only doing what they thought was best. As naïve as it may seem, I’m an optimist at the end of the day and fundamentally believe we all act with best intentions. The road to hell may be paved with some of them, yet they were rarely absent in the things we hold dear. 

More importantly, why is a vital question to ask because it strikes at the heart of our humanity and innate desire for meaning. it’s through asking this question over and over that we learn – bit by bit – what exactly it is we’re doing in this world and what it is we hope to get out of it. All of us have a deep longing for purpose, and asking why helps us uncover that. 

And yet the answers to why aren’t always satisfying. Sometimes there isn’t a greater meaning behind the madness than simple chance (and good intentions). Oftentimes the answer to why is one full of nuance and contradiction. A few times the answer to why is frustratingly obvious, but we choose different answers because of their comfort and simplicity. Nonetheless, asking why remains important – not to confirm our beliefs, but rather simply to understand. 

And so the next time you find yourself in awe, frustration, or even in love, ask yourself why. You might just be surprised by the answer. I often am.

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