Navigating Life's Riddles: How to Find Answers to Difficult Questions

Life is full of questions that are not always comfortable or easy to answer. Whether it's the existence of gravity or why kangaroos don't jump sideways, these abstract questions often pose a challenge. To find the right answer, you need to frame your question correctly, ensure clarity, and seek measurable, repeatable solutions. This article explores the nuances of answering difficult questions and the various methods we can employ to find solutions.

Understanding Different Types of Questions

Questions can be broadly categorized into two types: Concrete and Abstract.

Concrete Questions

Concrete questions are those that are relatable and easily answerable. For example:

How do you get food when you are hungry? How do you find relief when you are in pain? How can you get companionship when you are lonely?

These questions have straightforward answers that are relatable to most people. The answers to such questions are typically clear, relatable, and can be verified by others.

Abstract Questions

Abstract questions, on the other hand, are more complex and may not be relatable to everyone. Examples include:

Why can't kangaroos jump sideways? Why does gravity exist? How can one measure the weight of the Moon?

To answer abstract questions, you need to ensure that:

The question is clearly framed and understandable. The answer is measurable, testable, and repeatable. The answer is factual, not based on opinion. The answer is based on experience, observation, or evidence. The answer resolves a situation, not just explains it. The answer is either temporary or permanent.

Evaluating the Origin and Impact of the Question

Consider the origin of the question and how the answer might help:

Has the question arisen from a personal challenge or a broader observation? Does the answer provide a resolution to the situation or just an explanation? Is the solution temporary or permanent?

For every problem under the sun, there is a solution, or there is none. If a solution exists, try to find it. If there is none, don't mind it. Solutions can be found through intelligence, perseverance, the hit-and-trial method, and through convergent and divergent thinking. Sometimes, a scientist will find a solution through insight, after years of hard work. This is known as the 'Eureka feeling,' like the story of Archimedes who ran naked from the bath tub after discovering the principle of displacement.

When to Refrain from Answering Difficult Questions

Not all questions require an answer, especially in personal settings. As my grandmother used to say, a woman can simply smile nicely and not answer if the question is uncomfortable or difficult. You don't have to feel bad about it. If someone is asking you a difficult question, they might be uncomfortable themselves for putting you in a difficult situation.

As for men, you can certainly figure out how to handle the situation. If the question is professional and in a professional setting, you should answer it to the best of your ability. However, in personal settings, it's okay to politely decline to answer if you find the question inappropriate or uncomfortable.

Conclusion

Lifeline's challenges come in various forms, and finding answers to these challenges requires a thoughtful and analytical approach. Whether it's through scientific inquiry, personal experience, or insightful solutions, the path to finding answers is often fraught with complexity. Embrace the challenge, approach it with clarity, and be prepared to find solutions that not only resolve the situation but also provide meaningful insights.