Ah, That is the Question.

   It is not such a good thing for adults to scold children for asking questions all the time.  Even questions that are asked with the purpose of annoying should be answered.  Not always with a direct answer, mind you.  Sometimes the best answer is an offer to help the child discover an answer.  But the power of questions should be acknowledged.  Questions are the mind getting out of the mire, or of too much comfort, or a loop.  They are a movement in a new direction.  Even 'awfullizing' questions such as the whine "Why does everybody always pick on me?" can actually point the way forward.  That question will point the way if it is listened to and answered by the questioner.  The key words being "everybody" and "always".  The astute questioner will see the flaw in the question and then ask a better question.
   Asking a good question is a skill which 'wearing the Smart Hat' will help you develop. You will also learn to recognize flawed questions.  Asking a flawed question that sounds good is a common propaganda tool. We talk about Hitler and Nazi Germany as a time of getting people to believe the Big Lie.  That kind of thing still goes on. But you can learn to see the lie in the question as you learn to use the tool of asking good questions.  Question often.  Notice feelings of discomfort, or worse.  Ask what message these feelings are sending.  Ask what change is needed.  Ask what ideas occur.  Ask what impact or problem these ideas raise.  Ask if these problems matter or can be overcome. Ask if you should act, delegate, delay or discard.  Asking questions is a powerful way to develop your intelligence.  So put on your Smart Hat and ask away.