Learning the Art of Questioning Information
Our people have a saying: “He who always asks questions does not lose his way.” Over the years, experience has shown that those who ask questions—questions that others may sometimes laugh at in class—often develop a deeper understanding than those who simply accept information without critical examination.
I remember when we used to copy notes as our teacher wrote them on the board. Whenever we started talking or making noise, the teacher would intentionally make a mistake. Those who were paying attention as they wrote would quickly spot the error and raise their hands to draw the teacher’s attention to it. Meanwhile, those who were chatting would ask, “Where is the mistake?” or, “Oh, please, do you have correction fluid?” In some cases, the mistake was so significant that we had to start on a new page.
The lesson from those experiences remains relevant today. In this age and time, it is important that we do not simply exist, consume information, or accept ideas without proper examination.
Algorithms, for example, can serve as a reflection of our interests. They continually bring us more of the kind of content we consume, reminding us that what we repeatedly think about and consume can gradually influence who we become.
When writing an essay, you can easily correct a mistake when you discover that you have written or copied something incorrectly. Life, however, is different. Some decisions cannot be erased so easily. Often, we have to live with the consequences of the choices we make.
Before you forget, remember that you are a spirit existing in a body and possessing a soul. You should therefore value yourself and develop principles that can guide the way you live.
There are many advisers, influencers, commentators, and voices competing for our attention. Some can offer valuable guidance, while others may unintentionally—or deliberately—lead people in directions that do not serve their best interests. This is why it is important to have convictions of your own.
Question things, my friend, and examine them against your values. You must stand for something, and your life should be lived with thoughtful and critical examination.
There is a popular philosophical saying that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” Whether it concerns health, relationships, finances, religion, or lifestyle, develop the habit of asking questions before making important decisions.
Before you buy those pills online, for example, ask how credible the seller is, what evidence supports the claims being made, and whether the product is appropriate for you. Understand the difference between a product being marketed to you and something that is genuinely beneficial to your health.
Relationship counsellors, religious leaders, influencers, and many other voices have become part of our everyday lives. Some provide genuine wisdom, while others may promote ideas that deserve closer examination. The responsibility ultimately remains with each of us to think carefully and make informed decisions.
The whole essence of this message is to encourage you to recognise that the world is changing. Start now to think about how you will navigate these changes without losing your values, principles, and sense of responsibility.
When you are young, you may feel that you do not need family or children. That may be how you feel at this stage of life, but it is also important to think about the future and the kind of life you hope to have in your later years. Whatever choices you make, make them consciously and with an understanding of their long-term implications.
We are also surrounded by advertisements and messages encouraging us to use all kinds of substances and products. In places where healthcare resources and emergency services may not always be readily available, it is especially important to exercise caution and seek reliable professional advice before making decisions about our health.
The same applies to skincare and other appearance-related products. There is nothing wrong with caring for our appearance, but we should not allow the emphasis on exterior appearance to overshadow the development of character, integrity, responsibility, and good values.
In summary, information is power, but only when it is properly understood and wisely applied. We must therefore be careful about the kind of information we take in.
The habit of absorbing information from everywhere without critically examining it, questioning its source, and considering its relevance and consequences in our lives is what I call “ubiquitous assimilation.”
It is therefore important to question the choices presented to you and take responsibility for your own life. Things are not always what they appear to be, and learning to look beyond the surface can protect us from many avoidable mistakes.
There are many forces in the modern world influencing how we think about humanity, family, relationships, health, and procreation. Rather than accepting every narrative uncritically, examine these ideas for yourself. Do not allow yourself to be carried along by an agenda simply because it is popular or widely promoted.
Always ask: “What does this mean for me? What are the benefits, the risks, and the long-term consequences?”
And remember that people who sell products and services are often operating businesses. This does not automatically make their products or intentions bad, but it does mean that we should distinguish between commercial interests and genuinely independent, evidence-based advice. Where health is concerned, we should seek appropriate professional guidance and support efforts toward effective and, where possible, genuinely curative approaches.
Overall, avoid shortcuts when something requires patience, discipline, learning, or a proper process. Be thoughtful about the choices you make, remain open to learning, and do not be afraid to question information—even when everyone around you appears to accept it.
Continue to build meaningful relationships, nurture family and community, plan for your future, and pursue a life of purpose and happiness. Most importantly, live consciously, hold on to your values, and give yourself permission to ask questions.
I remain your friend and brother,
Maazi Onuora Obodoechi.
Pen it down. 