Along with an opposable thumb, we share one other trait with our hairy primate cousins: curiosity. We have an innate desire to understand “what happens if…” that begins in childhood. As we grow into adults, that natural curiosity dissipates, and we’re expected to have those answers (school, anyone?).

Unfortunately, answers are all about what has already happened. By definition, arriving at an answer means we’ve understood some aspect of an inquiry. And yes, we now have new knowledge to share, act on, and impart to others.

But rooted in that new knowledge is that original question that led us to insight. Sure, sometimes it’s a dumb question that led to interesting answers, but more often than not, the person asking the question has taken a step back from the day-to-day answers. He’s tried to make connections, see trends, or predict the future, and that’s what his question is about. He’s looked in crannies others have ignored, and he’s shone the light of knowledge upon dark and overlooked recesses. That’s how he’s finding those new insights.

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