Asking Quote by Robert Benchley
“I can't quite define my aversion to asking questions of strangers. From snatches of family battles which I have heard drifting up from railway stations and street corners, I gather that there are a great many men who share my dislike for it, as well as an equal number of women who ... believe it to be the solution to most of this world's problems.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Question of Asking Strangers” by Robert Benchley, 1935
People often avoid asking strangers due to fear of intrusion, yet some see it as a solution to broader issues.
In simple terms: Fear stops us from questioning strangers.
Key Takeaway
Balance curiosity with respect for privacy.
Themes
social anxiety
curiosity
privacy
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- public interviews
- market research
- community outreach
- travel
Key Concepts
anthropology
communication
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it appropriate to ask personal questions?
- How can you gauge comfort levels?
A Different Perspective
Over‑questioning can be invasive.
![“I spent a lot of time standing on street corners [of New York City] talking to local residents. I spent time in bookstores and galleries. But most of the time, I really did not have much to do.” quote by Ai Weiwei](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f5c/ai-weiwei-824_bookstores_i-spent-a-lot-of-time-standing-on-street_746021.jpg)
