What Happens When the Right Question is Left Unasked?
The Dream of a Scientist
Once, a scientist was working on some projects for the last ten years.
His studies were focused on converting water into oil.
He believed that this could change the world if it worked.
He slaved away in his lab — which he should have been doing of course.
He was so close to figuring it out — but came just that one point short of succeeding.
But try as he might, the answer continuously eluded him.
A New Hope
One day, he heard a rumour.
A Lama known to be a very wise man lived high up in the mountains of Tibet.
What they said was that the Lama held all of the universal secrets.
He thought that the Lama had an answer.
The scientist believed the Lama could give him the answer.
His heart filled with hope. This was his only chance.
The Conditions
But there were three conditions.
First, he had to go alone.
Second, there is roughness and danger in the way.
Thirdly, his question was only allowed once when he finally got to the Lama.
The Long Journey
The scientist didn’t hesitate.
He started his journey right away.
The path was harsh.
He crossed wild rivers and climbed tall cliffs.
Cold winds tore at his clothes.
Months went by, and each step became harder.
But he did not give up. His dream kept him going.
Meeting the Lama
Finally, after many dangers, he reached the Lama’s home.
His heart raced as he got ready to meet the wise one.
He felt very happy as he would find the solution to his dream.
The Surprise
But when he entered the house, he was shocked.
Instead of an old man with a beard, he saw a woman.
She looked very young and beautiful.
Her smile was sweet, and he could not speak.
The young woman spoke.
Her voice was soft like the wind. “Welcome, scientist,” she said.
“ Congrats! You have passed the trials of the mountains. Now, ask your one question.”
The Unexpected Question
The scientist had spent years looking for the answer.
He was ready to ask the question he had waited so long to ask.
But something changed inside him.
The long years of work and the struggles all seemed far away.
He looked into her beautiful eyes. Suddenly, everything else disappeared.
He felt his heart race, and before he could stop, the words slipped from his mouth:
“Ma’am, may I know if you are married?”
It’s not the answers we find, but the questions we ask, that change our fate forever.
In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take and the questions we didn’t ask. — Unknown
It’s not the answer that enlightens, but the question. — Eugène Ionesco
We don’t always get the answer we’re seeking, but the journey teaches us what we truly need to know. — Unknown