At work we commonly use a phrase that, in my opinion, is so overworked that it is basically annoying. I hope it doesn't annoy our monks, but it says "There are no stupid questions; just stupid answers."

It seems to always be used to try to get folks to be willing to contribute in meetings, seminars, etc. But, in my opinion, it is tiersome and overused.

Recently, I've been thinking about it...for some reason, whenever ELISHEVA posts it seems to uncannily always be somenthing or other that I've been thinking about. Thinking about the phrase, I realized that I don't agree with it at all. It seems to me that there really can be "stupid questions." I just couldn't put into words what was rambling through my brain. Thanks ELISHEVA for yet again putting into such elegant and wise words what has been on my mind.

As a couple of the other responders noted, I, too, have been trying to figure out how best to respond to what I consider "stupid stumpers." I have been working on several ideas that have helped...at least they have helped at least somewhat.

The most successful so far for me is that I try to make myself get past the "stupid stumper" overtones/content and try to see if there is still some meaningful and useful part(s) of the question that I can help with or gain from. If I can find such, then that becomes the kernel that I'll try to tackle (and I try to ensure that I note in any response that it is the part(s) that I'm responding to.

If I can't find any kernels then I try to just ignore the inquiry without flaming.

As several others have noted, however, I love the /witty/ironic/clever responses that bring a one-up-manship sort of reply to the questions...questions that I can't find kernels of utility to address. I am so impressed with the wit/cleverness of the monestary and it is fun to read those types of responses.

It tends to make me wish I were more witty/clever...but I can at least live vicariously through the plethora of witty/clever monks in our monestary.

ack Albuquerque, NM

In reply to Re: Stupid stumpers and good questions by ack
in thread Stupid stumpers and good questions by ELISHEVA

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