I’ve been thinking about the difference between the essence behind an assumption and the essence behind a question. Certainty can be a dangerous peak to stand on, an assumption requires that sort of belief; the type that may lead to either a fall or that can put you at a useful vantage point where you can make a better decision. The options mean that to climb up the mountain of certainty is a gamble and any mishap would be perilous, simultaneously there is much to gain if one finds their way to a secure platform.

An assumption is a gamble that can lead to a fall immediately or later in in time. The climber might have long ago passed the stage at which they made the assumption but that decision could come back to bite them in the future. The rocks holding the climber up, could appear stable until the discovery of the weakness or falsity of a prior assumption means a shifting of terrain.

A question now, is a device that can be used to approximate for a solid path. The quality of the question is just as valuable as the answer. A question rooted in the essence of discovery and tested under the weight of adequate reasoning is a great tool when wielded in the face of uncertainty. After testing the strength of your question, the act of placing your foot onto the platform will be met with an answer of stability or instability. At this point, it lies with the climber, whether to ask more questions or to accept the answer they have. The quality of the question(s) often dictates the quality of the answer.

Through these reflections, I see the value of both assumptions and questions. They are both tools with different drawbacks as an assumption saves time whilst a question gives a clearer picture. At the end of the day, the mountain still needs to be climbed and the climber should employ whatever tools they see fit.