If I Were a Superhero

If I were a superhero my name would be Why. Yes, as in the question, and yes, I am aware it's a cheesy name.  Maybe I'll get signed by Marvel and they will come up with something more creative and Hollywood friendly, like Google or Bing.  But until then and for the purpose of this post, we'll just stick with Why. Why choose the name Why? Well it's simple, because my special power would be that of questions and Why is my favorite question (yes, I was that annoying kid). So I think it's fitting. I would have the ability to ask questions regarding anything and get an answer immediately if there was one (trust me folks, Siri does not have all the answers).  So for instance, "Where is my arch nemesis hiding?".  (See I would think that would be a very useful answer to have.)  Or, "How can I create the ultimate weapon?".  Or, "What is my anniversary date?"  (I just threw this in there to show the usefulness of this super power even though it has nothing to do with super heroes.  We all know superheroes never get married.)

"Well that's not a cool power. None of the kids would want me as a figurine?  In fact, it's not even really a super power at all as everyone has the ability to question," you say? But au contraire.  With the lack of questioning going on and with the way people act in this day and age, it does make it sort of an anomaly.  Plus Batman doesn't really have any extraordinary power and he is still dubbed a super hero.  Besides, you mean to tell me that kids wouldn't eat up a character who knew the answers to all their unending questions like "Why is the sky blue?", "What are sausages made from?" and my all time favorite, "Where do babies come from?" So back off and let me get back to my ramblings...my super power is cool!  :)

Questioning is such a huge part of living, learning, and growing.  Think of how many questions a child under the age of 10 asks on a daily basis.  Now think of how many questions an average grown adult asks on a daily basis.  I would imagine it's dramatically less. How do kids learn so much in such a short time?  By asking questions!  Those smart little buggers.  

So what happens in between childhood to adulthood which causes questioning to dwindle and maybe even cease?  Why don't adults question every day life and how we are living and the things we are taught?  For once, I really don't have the answer to that question.  Maybe somewhere along their childhood journey a kid is told to shut up, that they are annoying, or gets repeatedly yelled at for having questions.  Maybe as teenagers their questioning looks much like rebellion and thus they are not accepted and feel like no one understands them.  Maybe as adults, work and family environments eat away at them and after many questions and failed attempts they give up, because it doesn't seem to do much good anyway, so why bother.  Or maybe it's simply the fact that adults underestimate the impact they themselves as one person can have on the world.  Believe me a child recognizes their impact on the world, as they have no problem screaming to get some attention.  Whatever the cause, we adults don't question like we should or we used to when we were kids.  Which directly correlates to stunted growth in my opinion.

I've realized that questioning can be very powerful through living these past 31 years.  It's what I've done my whole life, and part of the reason I can contribute to why I am who I am today. Sure, my parents weren't too thrilled about the constant inquisition when I was young, and I'm sure they could have done without the barrage of smart ass comments and actions throughout my teen years, but I bet they see the value of it today.  In fact, they are the ones asking me the questions now a days. 

Even with the purest of intentions, questioning can sometimes be taken the wrong way.  There were many days my teachers and bosses have mistaken my questioning as a stab at their character or the way they are doing things.  (A wise teacher once told me you can only take offense to what you identify with but that's another topic for another day).  In reality all I was trying to do was understand how something works in order to see if there is a better way, but it's all a learning process for those being taught and even for those who are leading/teaching us. "Only a fool thinks he is wise..."

Another thing I've learned about questioning in my unprofessional opinion, is that it is downright productive, or should I say has the potential to be.  Why? (Ha ha...Yes I even question when having a conversation with myself and my word processor.) Well I guess because it's the first step in changing things to work more fluidly, for people to get along and realize their worth and purpose, and to be able to use their time wisely.  It's the first step to changed lives and happier people, which also causes more changed lives and happier people like a domino affect.  Through questions, ways of life, things, and people can change.  

Of course you can't just stop at questioning.  You have to act on new knowledge as well for anything to be different.  Once you know better you are accountable.  Follow me for a second. Knowledge is power.  Power is a form of energy. I guess if your all sciency you can call questions potential energy (it is meant just as it sounds). Actions could be looked at as kinetic energy (when something is in motion). Basically questions hold all the potential of changing things in the world but until you actually act on them, they will never reach their full capacity. Can you imagine if the Wright brothers asked the question "I wonder if we can fly like birds?" and never actually experimented to figure out the if and how? Or let's say they figured out how to fly and never asked the question why it would be useful, and never told anyone about it?  Businesses, trade, vacations, and travel anywhere in general would be much harder. Wars would look much different in our history books. You see the point. 

Questions are important because without them we aren't going anywhere but where we've already been...which I'll be honest, sounds really quite boring. Almost as boring as my superhero name. Though I bet if you paired me up with the Riddler we could get some serious stuff accomplished! No question about it! ;)