Answer Quote by Margaret Landon
“To give an answer in advance of a question was futile, and to propound a question in order to supply the answer was also futile. There were difficulties that could best be met by unawareness of their existence.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Story of the Stone, 1939
Acting preemptively to answer a question is pointless; creating a question just to answer it is equally useless, and some problems are best ignored.
In simple terms: Answering before asking is futile; sometimes ignoring problems helps.
Key Takeaway
Avoid premature conclusions; focus on real issues.
Themes
futility
knowledge
ignorance
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- decision making
- research planning
- conflict resolution
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
epistemology
paradox
strategic avoidance
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it better to stay unaware?
- How does premature answering hinder understanding?
A Different Perspective
It can lead to missed opportunities for insight.
