The Importance of Free Inquiry.

Greetings. Free inquiry. Why is the asking of questions viewed in such a negative light in today's society?

The journey of discovery and the search for knowledge both involve one vitally important step; the asking of questions. We are incredibly ignorant about the universe we reside in, and it is only logical to approach unanswered questions with an open, yet skeptical mind. Having that established, the process of learning and arriving at answers to the questions at hand, regardless of topic, involves making inquiries. There is no such thing as a stupid question, for the admission of ignorance takes some internal fortitude, and places the insatiable curiosity of that same person on full display. Such people are deserving of our accolades and encouragement.

What are our questions searching for? Answers, details, and valid information. Specifics. Unfortunately, such information is not always provided. Often times, posts are made on the Internet and social media that make claims, but are wanting of specific details, information that would serve to educate the reader about the subject matter being written about. Such unsupported posts are not productive, being void of specifics, and long on feelings and opinions, which are not part of the scientific method. When statements are made, and when information is shared, transparency is essential, open availability of all pertinent data is essential, specifics are essential, for anything else is simply opinion and speculation. We have enough of that going on nowadays. 

Free thinking individuals from Alfred Russel Wallace to Brian Greene, from Werner Heisenberg to Richard Feynman all have, or had one thing in common. They all continually searched for answers and information in their individual fields of study, and they fully embraced their own professional ignorance, while keeping their integrity firmly intact, never to be dislodged by the facetious and the inaccurate. Feelings can be hurt, egos can be bruised, but that is of no consequence, for the acquisition of information and the advancement of knowledge is of paramount importance. That is part of the process of free inquiry. That approach is lost on many people in today's society. I cannot tell you how often I get grief or pushback for simply asking a question, or questions as is usually the case. I have always found it to be a strange occurrence; to be encouraged on one hand to make inquiries, yet getting held to the fire when doing so. We can't have it both ways. 

The late Christopher Hitchens once said, and I quote: "Doubt, skepticism, innovation, and inquiry are the only means by which wonder, beauty, awe, and symmetry will be discovered." Agreed Sir, agreed. We need to arrive at a point where we can make open inquiries, with no threat of pushback, or other such unreasoned commentary. We are not there yet.

Any individuals interested in the work of the late Christopher Hitchens is encouraged to join my Facebook group entitled "Hitchens' Razor: A Historical Perspective," available at https://www.facebook.com/groups/24901506559493513/?ref=share_group_link

Thank you for your time and consideration.