"Unanswered questions are far less dangerous than unquestioned answers."
Unquestioned answer #1: I noted this quote while walking by a Unitarian church marquee this evening.
Hypothetical: Imagine one of your friends, a church member, shares this quote with you in an affirming way.
Unanswered question #1: How would you respond?
UQ #2: Is the quote true or false?
UQ #3: Is there a way to help your friend make sense of it?
UQ #4: Should you simply luxuriate in the ambiance of vague sentimentality?
UQ #5: Should you imbibe the uncertainty like a tasty Zen koan?
UQ #6: Should you say nothing and say everything at the same time?
UQ #7: Should you set him straight?
UQ #8: And how?
UQ #9: Can you find the unquestioned answer hidden within the quote?
Imperative: Share your ideas in the comments section.
(Speculation: I suppose your view of the quote will influence whether or not you have the motivation to answer any of my questions!)
How about a "What do you suppose that means?" to get the ball rolling? Like with any quote plucked out of thin air, there is no idea of context here.
Posted by: John | August 15, 2006 at 04:40 AM
"UQ #9: Can you find the unquestioned answer hidden within the quote?"
The unquestioned answer is that all answers should be questioned. Therefore, as you have done, I say, at what point do we stop questioniong? Thus would seem to go on ad finitum
Posted by: Patrick, Holland MA | August 15, 2006 at 05:25 AM
Once the "unanswered question" is answered, do you question that? What about the following answer? When does it stop? This quote seems to mean that there are no answers or at least that everything should be questioned. Are we supposed to be infinitely skeptical about everything?
Posted by: Jorge Bezerra | August 15, 2006 at 05:32 AM
Vanity...vanity...all is but vanity.
Posted by: Louis Kuhelj | August 15, 2006 at 09:21 AM
I use a chest of drawers myself.
Posted by: John | August 15, 2006 at 12:38 PM
Trust no one, suspect everyone.
Posted by: alan aronson | August 15, 2006 at 01:03 PM
Ronald Reagan once said "Trust, but verify." We shouldn't just blindly accept answers given to us. Everyone is capable of error and/or deceit.
Posted by: Mike | August 15, 2006 at 01:30 PM
Unquestioned answer in the quote possibilities: 1) There are questions that have no answers, or at least no knowable answers; 2)that both UQs and UAs are dangerous, just to different degrees.
Posted by: Karen A. | August 15, 2006 at 02:38 PM
OK, I'll actually answer the questions.
Unanswered questions are far less dangerous than unquestioned answers.
#1: Knowledge isn't dangerous and neither are questions.
#2: Neither. It has to make some sort of sense before it can be true or false.
#3: I can explain that it doesn't make sense.
#4: I don't even know what that question meant.
#5: No, zen koans are also nonsense.
#6: That would be awesome. David Blaine eat your heart out.
#7: Absolutely
#8: Dialogue
#9: Yes, just tell me the question that the answer is answering.
Posted by: jtivyTK | August 16, 2006 at 11:58 AM
This quote assumes all sources are equally untrustworthy. While the some questions might not have firm answers, others are clearly and plainly addressed in Scripture. Granted many fall somewhere inbetween. The real issue is are you predisposed to accept the existance of God and his relelation or not. If not, you have no basis to fix a foundation of Truth on.
Posted by: Warren Barber | August 16, 2006 at 12:34 PM
I think the danger would vary depending on either the unquestioned answer or the unanswered question. If the answer is 2+2=4, what value can be gained by questioning it? If giving an answer would hurt someone unnecessarily, it would be better to remain silent; so, the statement is an objectice answer to a relative question; therefore, the statement is wrong.
Posted by: Ron | August 16, 2006 at 07:43 PM
When your friend figures this one out, ask a really tough question, "How do you throw away a garbage can"?????
Posted by: elbogz | August 17, 2006 at 08:16 PM
I am somewhat amazed by the interpretations and perceptions given this quote. And no, I am not going to answer your questions, but I will respond with another perspective.
I hear a lot of what I call, "truth by assertion" around me. I find this is usually opinion, without factual, logical, or reasonable support or proof.
Do we believe opinion because of the force of assertion, the influence of the speaker, the color of eyes or the cut of hair?
Discernment of truth separates the wheat from the chaff, both of which grow--side-by-side--in such abundance.
Posted by: Jam | August 18, 2006 at 03:04 PM
It is common for folks to quote Ronald Reagan out of context. The better quote is;"It’s still trust but verify. It’s still play, but cut the cards. It’s still watch closely. And don’t be afraid to see what you see." -Jan 11, 1989
Posted by: Reed Bates | August 20, 2006 at 11:35 AM
What do they MEAN by dangerous?
Posted by: Cheryl | September 18, 2006 at 06:38 AM