post written by: Marc
50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind
These questions have no right or wrong answers.
Because sometimes asking the right questions is the answer.
- How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
- Which is worse, failing or never trying?
- If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
- When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?
- What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?
- If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
- Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
- If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
- To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
- Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
- You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?
- If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
- Would you break the law to save a loved one?
- Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?
- What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
- How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?
- What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?
- Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
- If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?
- Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?
- Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
- Why are you, you?
- Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
- Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?
- What are you most grateful for?
- Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
- Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?
- Has your greatest fear ever come true?
- Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?
- What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
- At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
- If not now, then when?
- If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
- Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
- Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
- Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?
- If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?
- Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?
- Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
- When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?
- If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?
- Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?
- What is the difference between being alive and truly living?
- When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?
- If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?
- What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
- When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?
- What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?
- In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?
- Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?
Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
And check out these books for more thought-provoking questions:
- The Book of Questions
- If… (Questions For The Game of Life)
- The Complete Book of Questions: 1001 Conversation Starters for Any Occasion
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251 Comments
July 13th, 2009 at 5:26 am
Hi Marc,
Asking the right question…in order to get ourselves thinking, really thinking - there is so much truth in this. When we can ask that question, at the right moment, and that gives us clarity of direction, how powerful this can be in our lives. And set us off in a direction that has deep meaning to us individually.
And I believe very much that this is where it’s at - when we can reach that spot of deep meaning in our own lives - getting to this spot is so life affirming. And these questions you’ve shared, they really can help us to get there…
July 13th, 2009 at 8:13 am
1:27 A.M! You’re taking early riser to an extreme
Wow talk about depth. I think I’ll do a journal on a few of of these questions over the next few weeks
25. is perhaps the most powerful question on the list in my opinion. So I’ll go ahead and share what I’m grateful for in this post.
I’m grateful for the internet which allows me to read the many inspiring blogs on the net. I’m thankful for my wonderful friends and family. I’m thankful for having the ability to choose to present at any given moment.
I’m thankful for all those who devote their entire lives to bettering humanity ( that includes you
I’m grateful my gift to write and express my ideas in a somewhat coherent manner. And last but not least I’m grateful for the amazing life in which I live.
Great questions. I won’t be able to sleep for the next few nights!
July 13th, 2009 at 8:23 am
These are some pretty deep questions that made me think. Thanks.
July 13th, 2009 at 10:04 am
I love these questions. So much to think about now!!!
July 13th, 2009 at 11:32 am
I like Number 2 the best - better to keep failing in my opinion… not that I do.
July 13th, 2009 at 11:52 am
This one`s my favorite:
What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
I will ask myself that every day, see what happens
July 13th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Great questions, Marc. Love ‘em, like that kind of stuff
Just posted yesterday a nice one simliar to question 12: “If you could share just five pieces of wisdom, what would they be?”
Thank you very much for sharing.
July 13th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
I totally agree with you with the introduction.A good question is sometimes more important than the answer.They all make us thin deeply.Love from Argentina
July 13th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
I think # 42 is interesting in shortening your life expectancy to be very attractive or famous. I most certainly would, since they usually live an easier life, doing things they enjoy or having others do things for them.. freeing their time to travel, particiapte in things they love and accomplish thier life goals at a far quicker rate than the average joe.. thus becoming happier with their life’s path and can easily die younger and happier.
July 13th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Hi Marc,
I am thinking of printing all these questions out in hard copy. These questions does knocks some sense into us and it will be great if I can paste it in front of my work desk.
I love this point especially
“If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?”
So many of us are doing things that we don’t like and even though we knew that we do not like what we are doing, then why are we still doing it?
Cheers,
Vincent
July 13th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
I lmao at #8. As I’m already 46 the answer would be very carefully!
Some great questions, Marc.
July 13th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
great lists of questions. it’s got me thinking. it also makes me realize my “issues” or problems aren’t unique.
July 13th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Great Post. thanks for it.
July 13th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
#21…the problem with the world at large, yeah? haha.
lots to think about. thanks.
July 13th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I am a pastor, and I am thinking of foregoing a sermon this week. Instead, I am thinking of asking a handful of these questions with some space for silence to reflect. Which questions to present? I suspect the ones I choose has more to say about me in the space I am in my life. I would guess that other folks would pick different ones that spoke to them.
July 13th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Good one…I love the questions..
I’ll select 5-10 most imp ques for myself.
if you could also select the 5-10 most imp questions and publish for the readers’ benefit, that would be great..
July 13th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
“Would you break the law to save a loved one?” This is Heinz’ dilemma from Kolberg’s Stages of Moral Development. It is not just important what you would do, but what your justifications for doing it are as well.
Great questions. Thanks:)
July 13th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
If we don’t like the answers you’ve been getting lately, try asking these 50 questions. You’re bound to get some new answers.
July 13th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
@Lance: It is true that asking yourself the right questions will inevitably lead you in the right direction.
@Bud: Thanks so much for the kind words… and for sharing your thoughts with us. We all have so much to be grateful for.
@Frank: Failing is the first step to learning (by experience).
@Andre: Great question! Thanks for sharing it.
@Clora: Interesting perspective. Personally, I would choose the 10 years over the fame. But like I stated, there’s no right or wrong answer to this question.
@Vincent: Angel and I printed this article out before we posted it. We’ve been discussing each question over the last few days. Great conversation starter and food for thought.
@Tim: Sorry dude.
I didn’t mean to kill you off so soon.
@Jeff: That’s awesome! We’d be honored to have you share this article during your sermon.
@zencontrol: All of these questions are equally important to me. Although, I would also assume that some have a greater or lesser relevance to other people.
@Lori: Interesting. I’ll have to read more about Heinz’ dilemma.
@Jonathan:
Thanks for pushing the message along. Your work inspires us.
July 13th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Number 18 struck a nerve of mine. I am always holding on to stuff that I need to let go. The first thing that comes to mind is my tension in my upper back. I know that I want my career to be something it’s not right now. Of course I’m working on changing this, that’s why I created my blog.
I want to be able to release all my tension and just enjoy my existence. I am enjoying the process of figuring all this out. It’s just takes time to figure it all out. Eventually I’ll get my thoughts, emotions and body aligned.
July 14th, 2009 at 3:09 am
Yes if I just won (or otherwise acquired) $1M, I would indeed quit my “main” job, and instead focus on my family, friends, and side projects. I daydream about this often… but I also work towards it. : )
July 14th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Marc and Angel, I can’t say enough about how much I love your blog. In any case this was a fantastic and insightful list.
“When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?”
Love it!
If people pondered this list and really absorbed these questions, they would make life-changing decisions. I’m going to do something with this list, I just don’t know what yet. I’m going to promote the hell out of it at least.
Thanks for a truly wonderful and useful article.
July 14th, 2009 at 10:58 am
“#43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living?” …I think this is such a huge question everyone should ask themselves. So many just move through life uninspired or feel like they can’t change…when we can. Change can start small. I think many look too far ahead and it looks like too much work, so they do nothing.
What a great list! Thank you for sharing, it really got me thinking on a lot of different levels.
Thanks
Dayne
July 14th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
A very interesting set of questions. For my next blog post maybe I’ll go through and answer all of them :). It would be interesting to see what I come up with.
July 14th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Hi Marc and Angel, this is a fantastic post. I love these questions and am printing them out to revisit and share with a friend who does not go online. Very important and powerful as it awakens the entire soul. Beautiful and right to the heart of what is dear to us all. Thank you SO much. Robin
July 14th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
I want to write each question in a brainstorm web on my wall so I can add to each one as I think it through or revisit it
July 15th, 2009 at 11:19 am
I am really impressed with these questions and I do really need to think about the answers. I believe doing so will help me view the way I live.
Thank you.
July 15th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Wow this list is awesome! I love asking questions and really reflecting on the answers. I don’t think any questions is too hard or too easy to ask.
Ultimately, in my opinion, questioning leads to our greatest growth and development!
July 16th, 2009 at 3:31 am
Brilliant collection. … have bookmarked it
July 16th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Wow, loved this list, especially:
“Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?”
My first thought was “yes!” But the right answer is “almost.” I’m always willing to go the extra mile to help a friend, but I tend to depend on others to get the social ball rolling, and that’s not really fair. I’ve always been closer to the introverted side than most of my friends, but that’s no excuse for always counting on the other people to organize everything. Now that you made me think about it, this is something that needs attention.
July 16th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Good stuff.
It’s not how many times you push the elevator button … it’s how hard you push it.
Flipping work from pain to pleasure is one of the best keys to happiness. It’s not doing nothing, but doing something engaging that rocks our world.
July 16th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
thank you for these, they really made me think.
July 18th, 2009 at 1:27 am
The question that stood out the most to me was “What’s holding you back?”
Laziness used to hold me back. I can now safely say that I’m over that habit. Just do it now. Don’t wait for any doubt to creep in.
July 18th, 2009 at 8:57 am
An exceptional set of questions to ponder upon deeply… I found new insights and understanding when I introspected on these questions. They do add a greater clarity in our life and which way we are heading. Keep up the great work!
July 19th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
This is one of the best set of introspective questions I’ve ever seen. Most people don’t even think to ask these type of questions. Amazing post.
July 20th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Wow, I love your webpage etc….. I work with young adults on living a balanced life, while living their passion and dreams. I also empower them to be responsible with their decisions and money. Redefining the word Millionaire - to be more than just about money. But about freedom.
July 21st, 2009 at 6:03 am
I would gladly lose all my older memories to make new ones. It is thinking about the future that takes us froward, not looking back over our shoulder. Your questions really made me ponder about my life and the decisions i have made along the way.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:14 am
Congratulations on a very thought provoking post. I loved it!
Each time I read it a different question catches my imagination and really heightens my emotions and thought processes. They get to the heart of what’s truly important.
Those matters that can feel easier to ignore.
The classical Greek philosopher, Socrates, is noted for his problem solving technique of asking questions. So your in good company.
Here’s some questions I’d ask myself:
What’s the difference between trying and failing and not trying at all?
What am I grateful for?
What am I feeling now? Why?
July 31st, 2009 at 1:27 am
Good stuff. I did a post similar to this one that talks about “your perfect day” exercise, which I actually heard Frank Kern talk about.
http://www.followmypurpose.com/123/getting-what-you-want-your-perfect-day/
August 2nd, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Being able to ask profound questions can change lives. Most people don’t ask questions at all. They have become a school of listeners, who are programmed by the latest t.v show. They seldom find ways to enhance there life thought thinking.
Imagine, having the highest ability in this universe….and not using it…..huh…its a shame i say
But on the bright side more and more people are starting to jump out of the matrix and free their mind!
Like the late great Bob Marley said
“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our mind”
August 3rd, 2009 at 12:59 pm
this is a good read.
i really loved all the questions.
August 3rd, 2009 at 10:20 pm
[…] of life provoking questions by Marc and Angel Hack Life. You can check out the original post here: 50 Questions that will Free Your Mind. I’ve answered all the questions […]
August 5th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
There are some nice thought provoking questions there. I like “What are you most grateful for?”. I ask that myself every day.
August 12th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
added number 51:
what would you do if you knew you could not fail
not sure where i saw that but it fits…
August 12th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Thank you for your post. It was most interesting and thoughtful.
August 16th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
I hadn’t stumbled in a long time and it’s things like these i needed the most from that little green button. your articles just helped me get back to myself for the first time in months. Im me again. i’ve been to hell and back since the start of 09. Im just glad to be back. thank you so much for your inspiration.
August 17th, 2009 at 5:03 am
Number 13… Of course, I would break the law to save someone I didn’t even like (excluding rape, murder etc)
August 17th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I just got done reading this and it really got me thinking. I just want to say thank you for this.
August 20th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
# 50 is a biggy when you think about it…How many times are our words or actions based on what we think others will say, think, do or act upon…If we make decisions based on these facts then we are not making decisions at all…I believe we should always make the right decision no matter who may or may not like it…At days end we will only answer for our own actions.
August 20th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Thank you for this list.
August 26th, 2009 at 5:03 am
Nice list, they are good questions!
August 29th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Usually these lists are stupid and unoriginal, but for the most part, I liked this one.
September 8th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
If I could add #51: How would you change your life if you knew retirement was not an option?
Too many people sacrifice current happiness for a ethereal someday that may never occur. Quit working so hard, concentrate on the things that matter.
(question via Tim Ferriss)
September 11th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
I really love this post. Thank you!
September 15th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Wow, just wow. Thanks for these deep and probing questions! Most things rarely make me think this hard about myself.
September 17th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
RICHLY PROVOCATIVE.
September 18th, 2009 at 4:42 am
Amazing set of questions — I want to publish the same in my ‘infant blog’ (with the appropriate credits to you, of course)
May I do so — will act post approval.
September 21st, 2009 at 3:47 am
It took me two days, but I answered every single question with a personal response and posted it on my blog. It can be read here- http://confessionsofsomeonealmost18.blogspot.com/2009/09/50-questions-that-will-free-your-mind.html
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Your blog continues to push the boundaries of my world.
Thank you? Is that even appropriate for life changing thought processes?
September 26th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
This reminds me of the lessons in some of Alan Watts’ books. Good read.
September 30th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
If you free your mind than you have real freedom.
October 6th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Thank you so much! I am an English teacher and often start class with a journal entry. Any one of these spark great writing and wonderful discussion. This is fantastic!
October 11th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Amongst one of the most beautiful set of questions and ideas I have chanced upon.
Made me smile (a lot).. and think (even more).
And I found answers to questions I never even knew I was asking for 22 years now.
Was a lovely read. Thank you for sharing it with us. Looking forward to more such.
Take care.
Love.
(Mind if I paste this on my page along with complete credit to u and a link to your blog?)
October 14th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Recently I’ve been missing more and more school and work because I’ve been so sad. Today was one of those days. But today after reading this, it’s time to turn things around. Thank you so much.
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:55 am
I love the list and bookmarked it for later.
That said, I haven’t decided if it’s inspirational or depressing.
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:57 am
Good morning!
I was looking for a way to send you guys a message hihi i didnt know we can leave comments here hahah now i know i just want to thank you for inspiring me to continue living. 18 years of having no friends, i alienate people for the promise of trivial success.. only to realize that i failed on both accounts. i was wondering if i could start over again. my life feels so empty i just want it to go away. then i stumbled on one of your articles and i was amazed with the thoughts on this site. truly inspiring. Thank you Marc and Angel and more power!
November 8th, 2009 at 10:22 am
If you keep chasing the dollar, and only the dollar, you will always be broke. But if you chase your dreams, you’re doing something that makes you happy in the end.
Great read.
November 15th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
There’s some sort of motivation behind each of these questions… and I mentally answer them, acknowledging those notions. I think from now on, I’ll practice one of those answers per week and see where I go.
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Can you say thoughtgasm?
December 6th, 2009 at 12:23 am
Great questions. My husband died last year and many of these questions have crossed my mind. Life is very short, and that’s why I like #4 best. When all is said and done, will you have said more than you have done? In this hectic, busy world we live in, I’m afraid that many of us say a lot more than we do. I’m going to answer one of these questions each week, and see if it can make a difference in my life. Thanks for the article!!
December 9th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Read the questions about 5 times… pasted them on a document… and began answering… I didn’t stop to think, or analyse… I just wrote what I “FELT” in that moment… Thank you…
December 12th, 2009 at 2:15 am
[…] chanced upon Marc and Angel’s really incredible website. And there’s this particular post that really caught my eye – 50 Questions That Will Free Your […]
December 12th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
I wish I could start my life all over, recently, I have been getting the feeling that I missed a door somewhere and I am going in the wrong direction but I have gone too far…
December 24th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Hey! Thanks a lot for posting these questions. They really made me think. These questions came to me in time for the new year and making my new year’s resolutions. Thank you so much again.
~Yvonne
January 4th, 2010 at 2:36 am
Filling this out and really thinking about these questions made me realize some of my hypocrisies and makes me motivated in improving my character.
January 4th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Marc,
These questions really made me think about some of the double standards in my own life. I will be marking them down in my journal and trying to improve what I didn’t like. Keep up the good work! I love getting your blog in my in box. It always touches my heart.
January 7th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
I love these questions. I have never thought like this before… it’s opening my eyes.
Thanks.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:55 am
Awesome list. “We will have said more than we have done”. Sad, but true.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:47 am
Great stuff. Really inspiring and thought provoking.
January 26th, 2010 at 5:33 pm
i am going to go to college
you good sir have asked the right question
January 26th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
These are amazing! They made me think hard and realise some things, as well. I’ll be posting my answers on my blog and linking back here to you, so I hope my friends will have their minds engaged and their eyes opened as I have!
March 4th, 2010 at 7:32 am
This is the greatest thing ever written!
I am abolutely stunned!
I just realised so many things, so many things I want to do differently.
Thanks for the wake up call!
Give out love, it’s free. Peace!
March 5th, 2010 at 3:53 am
The way I was raised lest little room to let myself ask these questions. I dropped out of college to pursue a life in music. Since then I have never been happier with myself and what I do everyday. At some point you have to follow what you love no matter what. You must live and breath what you want to become before you can step back and see that you have arrived at your dream.
-Kevin DePree
March 25th, 2010 at 7:10 am
#23. No, I haven’t. But now, thanks to you, I am aware of the change I need to make to make the change I need. Thank you very much.
March 30th, 2010 at 1:53 am
#50. It’s hard to make your own decisions sometimes, when theres so many influences in your life. I always end up letting other people make my decisions, and instead, I’m going to start doing what I need to, instead of letting them decide.
Thank you, Marc
March 31st, 2010 at 5:50 pm
#50 sort of speaks for the other 49, if you ask me. And you did
April 15th, 2010 at 2:15 am
This is really good stuff. I love to think and these questions are exactly what I needed to get started on a random night
thank you!
April 24th, 2010 at 12:02 am
This questions are so thought provoking. This made me reflect upon my actions and decisions in life. Thank You!
Truly this questions lead to what i really want in my life.
April 24th, 2010 at 9:29 am
I hope more people read the questions and ponder their answers.
Ben Koshkin
May 11th, 2010 at 12:20 am
Great questions, answering them now, and sending more people your way!
May 14th, 2010 at 8:08 am
If u never attached yourself to anything would you ever lose yourself? would you ever second guess anything? or would you just exist. worry free pain free. if we put immortality on a pedestal is that why it is unattainable? but if u already believe that it is in us could it not be there? if the thought is there is that not enough? only if we second guess it.
May 15th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THESE QUESTIONS.
May 20th, 2010 at 12:42 am
I completely forgot what I started doing after I read the first 4 questions. I stopped right there. I wanted to make sure I don’t forget myself, lol
June 3rd, 2010 at 7:52 am
I love these questions! They’ve really opened my mind and change my life. Thank you.
June 22nd, 2010 at 4:26 am
I love these questions. So much to think about now!!! I completely forgot what I started doing after I read the first 4 questions. I stopped right there. I wanted to make sure I don’t forget myself, lol. I love these questions! They’ve really opened my mind and change my life. Thank you
July 26th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
Those are 50 deep questions that can really give us deep wisdom and insight if we will be able to answers them with concrete basis. In our site, we try to answer those type of questions with the help of the Scriptures.
July 28th, 2010 at 8:59 am
This Question will actually make difference in my life from today. And I will try to make difference in other lives as well.
August 3rd, 2010 at 1:07 am
i think the question why are you, you? makes u think alot
August 21st, 2010 at 2:39 pm
if thank you was the biggest word, i would say that to you
# 50 is xtremely layered
August 29th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Thank you soooo much for posting this
it really made me think and reflect on my life… #21 is my mindboggeler. I’m a big geek in school but your post made me realize, I’m not a happy one : (
August 30th, 2010 at 11:21 am
thank you very much for this great 50 questions
it really made my mind free
and some of the question were joky for me
September 3rd, 2010 at 3:53 pm
I wrote a post called “Five Powerful Questions to Simplify Your Life” on SimpleCityLife.com. You’re list is much more comprehensive. Thanks for this great post.
September 10th, 2010 at 1:44 am
Very interesting questions.. Thanks Marc and Angel
September 10th, 2010 at 7:44 am
Thanks for the questions…I’ve bookmarked them and I’m using them for a personal/spiritual journey.
September 27th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Very deep and thought provoking - many thanks.
October 1st, 2010 at 1:37 am
Marc, Hats off to you. Questions are so thought provoking. Asking the right questions is very important. I am inspired. It made me reflect.
Regards,
Ash
OnePowerfulWord.com
October 22nd, 2010 at 5:19 am
Excellent questions that could really set the stage for some new thought processes. My question is why don’t people allow new information to even be considered when it is principle based?
October 24th, 2010 at 3:00 am
I really liked number 25. Religion is going to get extinguished in the future no matter what, but at this point we need it. The reason for that is the global differense between humans. When we advance and get more knowledge and understanding of the universe, everyone will see that there is no god. It was just something we made up because we were afraid and lazy to advance into the future.
- My opinion…
http://mojoblastreview.com
October 28th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
I’m a senior in high school and college is fast approaching. I have started questioning all of my life and have found out a lot about myself because of it. this was by far one of the best lists i have found. thanks for sharing it.
November 17th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
My question is as cliche as can be, what is the purpose of live?
Here is my answer:
Life has no inherent purpose or goal, we exist simply because some cells decided to band together and function together. We are a bundle of organic matter with a consciousness created by the brain that we perceive to be ourselves, our self image, in a sense, your “soul”. There is no inherent purpose, religion gives people a purpose. But it’s a bullshit purpose, people don’t actually abide by it in the religion and it causes more strife than good. This purpose is obviously the afterlife. Then society gives us a purpose, which we abide by more. Material possessions. Think about it, what is the majority of our lives for? We are born, and spend years integrating ourselves into society and learning basic social norms to survive, then we are sent into school to learn shit we don’t care about, go get a job we hate, so finally, we can buy a bunch of shit we don’t need! Of course there’s a lot of opportunities along the way to experience other things, but the ultimate purpose is material possessions. I think this is fucked up. People should be allowed to assign meaning to their own lives rather than have one assigned to them by the rest of society. Right now, the consequences of breaking this unspoken law, is that you do not get fed.
November 18th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Hello Steve,
Try God, not religion. You will be amazed. Ask Him anything and everything. He will answer you personally; you will understand and know if you really want to. He knows our every thought and deed, yet loves us and is faithful to forgive us always.
From The Bible: “Knock and the door shall be opened. Ask and the answer will be given you.”
Matthew 6: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” Also see Jer 29:11 a good plan for your life. Blessings to you in your seeking.—Sharon
November 19th, 2010 at 7:42 am
Sharon,
I don’t know whether you realized it or not, but god is solely a personification of nature - but do you ask a bird what to do?
You simply cannot take bible literally, it was written at a time when people didn’t know how they should live, so it was written to give advice.
Also you might think the stories of Jesus happened as they are written in the bible - they didn’t. Science shows that the books were written around 50 years after his death - people didn’t become that old, they merely heard the stories, had some common sources and wrote about it.
I don’t say Jesus didn’t exist; I also don’t say there is no god, but I simply don’t accept him as he is described in the bible - however I can accept that he is a personification of nature.
@steve: I think everyone has a purpose in life, but I think it differs for everyone as well.
I think my purpose is to help other people where I can and to enjoy life in a way which doesn’t harm other people.
November 20th, 2010 at 1:09 am
51. Does what you do make a difference to the whole? Or are you just going through the motions?
52. If the hardest people to love are the ones who need it the most, what will happen to them if no one loves them?
53. Do perceived circumstances determine your life’s course? Or could choosing a new possible course in life determine the circumstances for you?
54. If everyone knew that money was just a piece of paper that the government printed, would it still have value?
December 3rd, 2010 at 11:14 am
What a great article! Very interesting and thought provoking, so much that I’ve print it. Zen’s koan made simple, so to speak. There are many good questions and my preferred one is n. 43 “What is the difference between being alive and truly living?”
Very good question since for the great part of our life almost everyone is alive but not truly living, until something happens and you begin asking yourself this kind of question. And maybe change your life.
Very good article again, stumbled.
December 7th, 2010 at 4:04 am
oh my god this article really makes me think.
December 9th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Sucha beautiful list of questions, thanks for this…they are very inspiring and thought-provoking. For more inspiration, you should check out my project, TheAdventurous500.com where I do daily adventures! For women, y’all should take a peak at this awesome woman’s entrepreneur video! It pumped me up and I’m a dude haha: http://youtu.be/U7nXsOfLB0c
December 13th, 2010 at 1:24 am
I’m glad I stumbled across this site. Those are some interesting questions that can open up many doors to self happiness.
January 2nd, 2011 at 4:22 pm
i don’t know if you read comments or not. i just wanted to say that your questions are pretty amazing. i’m going to be using them on my blog, answering one a week for the year. basically no one reads my blog, but i’m hoping to find a few more parts of myself by the end. thanks. ^.^
January 12th, 2011 at 2:56 am
Whoa! Thinking, Thinking, I sometimes already know the answers but I’m too afraid to fail. I know my fear is the worst kind of punishment. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 30th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
when i was going through the questions i could answer most of them pretty easy but the one i really loved was if you had to move to a different state or country besides the one you live in what would it be and y? obviously if you knew me you would even know what i would choose because i talk about it all the time:)
February 25th, 2011 at 7:01 am
Some great questions here and some thought provoking ones
I might link to this page in one of my newsletters for my list to see.
Thanks!
March 4th, 2011 at 10:53 am
these quetions simply explain us what we are doing with our lifes and what we really should do.
greatly thought quetions!
March 7th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
These are some pretty deep questions that made me think. Thanks.
March 20th, 2011 at 3:54 am
#35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
It’s not the religions that cause so many wars, it’s the practitioners of religions, who have no tolerance for those of other religions. Some commentors have declared non-belief in a ‘God’; others are clearly dedicated to their beliefs. We all need to learn to tolerate and even love all others, despite their beliefs and religious (or ‘non-’) practices. When that happens, there will no longer be a need for organized religion, as people will be able to see through the muck and know what they are; all brothers and sisters, regardless of whether they believe in God, or not. If we all knew that we are all one family, there would be much less, if any, enmity toward one another, and wars would no longer be a part of our existence on this planet.
It’s not religion that’s to blame for our long history of global social unrest, it’s our ego and self (arguably one and the same thing, and equally destructive), which feed a common need for spiritual superiority. Take responsibility for your thoughts and actions, folks. One’s religion doesn’t make one better or worse than another, or more right or more wrong. Yes, some (ok, one in particular these days) religions claim an absolute exclusive on being the only true religion, supposedly taught by their ‘book’, however those teachings are not original to the book and have been altered to suit the political agenda of the ones who seek greater power over others, which is a symptom of the relatively low level of the spiritual growth of those who buy into that belief and practice it at the expense of others. Which leads to many more questions….
April 5th, 2011 at 3:47 am
26.Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
— i really don’t know how to answer this question. it really makes me think.
brilliant prose! great job!
April 7th, 2011 at 10:53 am
These questions deserve serious consideration. I’d like to post this in my blog and answer them. Of course, I’d link appropriately. Thank you very much for these questions.
April 8th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
I think # 4 pretty much raps it up! Thanks for the thought provoking questions.
April 11th, 2011 at 12:53 am
Thanks! That’s all I can say now.
April 15th, 2011 at 12:24 am
Hi .. A very Good Morning to everyone !
Such a good post to read. These questions really made me think once that m i doing right or not . I am falling out of words. Thumbs Up !!
Thanks
April 18th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
OMG, I read the first question and started to cry! The last question also really got me! I copied and pasted these into my evernote to share with my friends. Thanks for a super thought-provoking post!
April 26th, 2011 at 11:47 am
What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special? - I did not know how horrible the world is. No worries, only happiness
Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?- Becuase everything with religion is wrong. Its the sickest thing ever made up
What are you most grateful for?- Nothing
Has your greatest fear ever come true?- Yes, ive lost so many family members and friends to death
April 27th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Hi, thanks for this list of questions, as a suggestion this should be translated to every lenguage in the world!
April 28th, 2011 at 11:56 am
Why am I me and why are you, you? I’m 56 and still looking for the reason I’m here on this planet. Number 9 pretty much says it for me!
May 1st, 2011 at 1:25 am
Thanks for these questions about life and decisions. Somehow reading them helps.
May 1st, 2011 at 9:00 pm
i actually went through every single one of these questions and answered them. all.
it’s interesting, indeed. everyonw should take the time to do it.
i think i kinda know who i am although i’m 17 and i was amazed about how easily i answered these
but it’s a good and productive way of spending 20 minutes. 
whoever wrote all of these, thank you. I’m your new fan
May 2nd, 2011 at 8:21 pm
Thought provoking!
May 3rd, 2011 at 8:21 pm
Appreciate what you have. Your life is your attitude + choices. After answering the questions; i felt sure that i am living my life pretty well.
May 3rd, 2011 at 9:44 pm
I love this list of questions! I took the time to answer each one..some of them are definitely easier to answer than the others, but I found those that weren’t so easy to answer actually revealed the most….when I asked myself ‘why’ the answer didn’t come right away, many core values were revealed that I didn’t even realize I had been holding.
Thanks for writing these…an awesome little exercise in self introspection for sure!
May 4th, 2011 at 8:01 am
Hi,
Thank you for a great post. I found your site through Stumbleupon.
I have a degree in psychology and am all for a little Introspection as I think it does us good.
Thanks again.
Tal
May 4th, 2011 at 8:39 am
Reading the comments left by everyone
this is really amazing how these questions have touched people
May 5th, 2011 at 10:40 am
1.17
2.never trying
3.because we are humans and humans do wrong things
4.yes
5.apathy
6.making people happy
7.do what i believe in
8.yes
9.50%
10.doing the right things
11.stop them
12.enjoy when you’re young
13.yes
14.no
15.write poetry, think
16.because I’m over emotional
17.kiss the one i love, him
18.yes
19.to russia, wonderful art
20.yes. no
21.worried genious
22.because of my genes
23.yes
24.losing touch with a friend who lives near you
25.that i’m alive
26.loose old ones
27.no
28.no
29.no
30.playing hide and seek when i was a kid, we were so inocent back then
31.when i was in love
32.never
33.true
34.YES
35.because they’re people not gods
36.no. there’s evil in all of us
37.no
38.other
39.yes
40.yesterday
41.family
42.no
43.the other one will shorten your life
44.never. it always hits you in the head when you do so.
45.no.
46.i would run naked. joke. i would write a biographical novel
47.right after a read this
48.art. yes.
49.maybe if it was something worth remembering
50.letting others
May 5th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
is it just me or I can’t just think of anything to answer to most questions?, they made me think though.
May 8th, 2011 at 2:59 am
1;mature enough as an old man and childish like a silly baby
2;never trying
3;for purpose of acheiving satisfaction
4;no i always do more than what i say
5;selfishness
6;loving those people who are nver considered worth of loving
7;setting 4 wt im doing
8;by dividing it into 4 parts of ten years each.1st part 4 people,2nd and 3rd part 4 god and last part 4 my ownself.
9;80%
10;doing right things
11;make them stop otherwise leave the table
12;smile in every situation and say all is well
13;ofcourse
14;yes
15;enjoy my own company
16;because everyone has one’s own point of veiw
17;express myself completely,fear of losing friends
18;yes
19;austria,4 highest peaks
20;no i dnt,dnt think so
21;joyful simpleton
22;dnt knw
23;no
24;losing touch with a good friend who lives near you
25;4 having beleive in reality
26;neither remove past nor abstain from having new ones
27;no
28;yes
29;yes i remember but that dnt matter nw
30;having a fast at age of 5 yrs.what makes it special is that i slept whole day.
31;dnt remember anything like that
32;never
33;time
34;yes
35;because love itself is a war
36;no
37;no
38;more work
39;no
40;4 yrs ago
41;my bhaiya
42;no
43;being alive is more like a passive term and truly living means utilizing each and every moment of life for the sake of living
44;yes
45;because al mistakes do not lead to a lesson.some cause great loss.
46;judge myownself
47;4 yars ago
48;my broth,no
49;yes
50;sometime for myself and sometime due to others
May 8th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
The answer to number the 35 was difficult but when I truly sat and thought about it I realized the answer was right in front of me not literally but figuratively the answer because love is worth fighting for.
May 9th, 2011 at 10:57 pm
My question to you is did you ever think you would have such a huge response to your article here? Love it!
May 9th, 2011 at 11:26 pm
These questions are entirely mind boggling.
May 9th, 2011 at 11:40 pm
I LOVE these question lists! I want to hear from the guy who read this list, really thought about it, and then quit his job to alternate between weed, Xbox and masturbating all day before he gets evicted and eats out of dumpsters. Great article.
May 10th, 2011 at 5:23 am
WOW! These questions kind of took me off guard and made me think. Thanks.
May 12th, 2011 at 10:35 am
“If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?”
This one is one of the best!! Really if you deeply think about it, it can be a Guru Mantra for your success!
All the other are also awesome but this one made my day!
May 15th, 2011 at 6:12 am
WOW….. These questions are amazing. They helped me get free of my tensions by thinking more about them.
REALLY SUPERB!
May 15th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Damn! funny and intelligent questions
May 15th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
Such wonderful questions, they’re really quite thought-provoking.
Difficult to answer, for me, because as my friends and family say I barely have an opinion.
May 17th, 2011 at 12:00 am
#1 is my favorite question of all time! Answer: old enough to know better but young enough to try it anyway…
May 17th, 2011 at 7:06 am
Now you got me thinking. What would I do differently in the future is what I have to consider.
May 17th, 2011 at 9:08 am
if you are able to answer these questions, you are doing self reflection and self criticism.
all of them are applicable to my/your life
May 18th, 2011 at 12:00 am
Hi, the funniest thing is, all these questions makes me think, there’s no such a thing like “time” and it doesn’t mean everything is over “time” is a concept we’ve created to make us feel usefull. thank’s for these questions, I had a -de ja vu- wish.
May 19th, 2011 at 11:37 am
i love #50. it’s how my life has been since pretty much forever, and i’m finally making my own decisions. thank goodness. i’ve never felt better.
May 23rd, 2011 at 11:08 pm
This is a very thought provoking column. It has opened our minds to a wider spectrum of knowledge!
Thanks for making us think!!
<3
May 24th, 2011 at 9:43 am
I read this post and just knew I would have to answer these questions. I wish I had had this list 5 years ago when I quit my ‘predestined’ life which culture had shoved on me and started living my own.
1.How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
Every demonstration or direct action I do is for my loved ones: The earth and everything and everybeing on her.
23
2.Which is worse, failing or never trying?
Never trying
3.If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
I don’t ^_^ But if others do them it might be because of their cultural ’software package’ uploaded into their brain as they grew up.
4.When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?
Probably said, but this is not a bad thing. Its a western materialist meme that thought counts less than action. We exist on both levels of existence.
5.What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?
Global Unequality. We need balance in this world, not unchecked growth. That includes the inequality between humans and animal species, even between humans and inert material like stone. Check out http://www.equalitytrust.org.uk for the reasons.
6.If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
Permaculture designer.
7.Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
Doing what I believe in.
8.If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
I would still have been a product of my surroundings, but knowing that I had a shorter life I might have made more of an effort to break the trance.
9.To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
A large degree! I am self employed, travel the world, have broken with my past and look to the NOW!
10.Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
Doing the right things and also the right ‘none-things’. Duh!
11.You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?
Why would I respect and admire people that do shit like that?!?! The writer of this article needs to come up with better questions!!!
12.If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Make up your own mind at every turn, but trust the love of the universe.
13.Would you break the law to save a loved one?
I have
14.Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?
Yes, in myself
15.What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
I’ve taken about 5 years to deprogram myself from my culture. Still not done.
16.How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?
See answer number 15
17.What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?
See the entire world and call everybeing my brother or sister. My lifespan is holding me back
18.Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
My spirit of resistance.
19.If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?
I would move to the world. Oh wait, I’m already living there! No borders! No nations!
20.Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?
Yes actually. Button freaks only!
21.Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
Tough nut that… I’d rather be shift between the two at different times.
22.Why are you, you?
Because I chose to live this life before I entered this human shell and forgot about before.
23.Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
I hope so. Maybe I move around too much to really make deep friendships.
24.Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?
Losing touch.
25.What are you most grateful for?
Knowing for sure I am part of nature and nature is part of me, therefore making me part of this evolutionary journey.
26.Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
Lose all my old ones.
27.Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?
I think it is only possible to know truth (not THE truth, there is no such meme). And knowing truth comes from traveling through its opposite.
28.Has your greatest fear ever come true?
Yes, and I came through it just fine. So stop making excuses and JUMP!
29.Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?
Yes. Because that time made me change the direction of my life from career towards my actual life and what I fulfills me.
30.What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
Running around in nature. It makes it special because I still do it and have regained my ability to perceive as I did then. Try lying on your belly in the grass, with your face 2 inches from a beetle. Then stare at it for half an hour. Thats childhood for ya!
31.At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
When I was crying my eyeballs out. Which felt amazing as I have not done that in SOOO long.
32.If not now, then when?
We are not in the middle of nowhere, we find ourselves in the middle of Now Here.
33.If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
My life. What every person can do is prepare for death and know that whatever is on the other side, its alright.
34.Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
Every time I see a bird and a bird sees me!
35.Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
Because religions are full of memes that promote Duality. Duality is the concept that everything is divided. You from me. Us from them. East from West. Good from evil. Up from down. This is utter BULLSHIT. Yes it exists in the world we see, but it is no law of the universe! It is a human invention! We can change this around.
36.Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?
It is not possible to know these things because Duality is a fallacy. There is life, and thats it.
37.If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?
I already have quit my job, and not for a million dollars but because I stopped believing in what I worked for (the pharmaceutical companies). I am extremely poor if you look at my bank saldo. But hey, time is money and I’ve got all the time of my life!
38.Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?
I would rather have noone do any work and all of us focusing on creating an abundant future, rather than a stratified society. Every time you pay for gas, buy a burger at McD’s, pay your taxes, you are feeding the upper class and stealing from the lower classes. All around the world people die because YOU pay taxes and buy gasoline. Sorry for that, but I had to go through that same speech for me to change my mind and quit my job.
39.Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
Today is NOW, start believing in that. Not days.
40.When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?
Its what life seems to be about, journeying through your fears to reach into the other side and bring back pretty things.
41.If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?
I would stay in silent meditation and prepare myself for death.
42.What is the difference between being alive and truly living?
The Felt Presence of Direct Experience (thats a term coined by Terence McKenna).
43.Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?
No.
44.When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?
Every single Now of your entire life.
45.If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?
Because it hurts to re-write your programming.
46.What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
Why would I care if anyone judges me? I make my own life, others can do the same. If they want to look down on me, they’re just not paying attention to their own life. Keep your eyes on the road and let your right brain do the driving
47.When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?
The last time I meditated.
48.What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?
Love. By responding to someones blog where they spoke of a difficult moment in their life. And by planting six little tomatos this morning.
49.In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?
I hope so, but I will probably be very busy ^_^
50.Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?
After reading my responses… What do you think?
With love for the Earth,
Berry
May 25th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Really awesome questions bro…. they let me know what i am… you bet I’m gonna share them with friends.
Actually I’ve read only a few question at random. And since for 1 hr.. my mind has been thinking, thinking…..
Thanks for posting these.
May 30th, 2011 at 12:08 am
Thank you for this article, I am always open to questioning my experiences of life, and comparing them with others. YaY Progressive Thoughtfulness.!
May 31st, 2011 at 8:50 am
I enjoyed reading your list. Gives one a lot to think about.
June 1st, 2011 at 5:25 am
thanx for these questions, I’ve used them in my job in fact - which is teaching english & it gets people thinking.. as for myself, I’ll try and answer them personally in the near future.. time for a siesta now however - priorities!
June 1st, 2011 at 8:32 am
Why do religions that support LOVE cause so many wars…..???
June 1st, 2011 at 10:04 pm
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? .. 18!!! lol … that’s the million dollar question!!!
June 2nd, 2011 at 2:01 am
If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?
Oh man I loved this so much .. it made me have a real deep thought
June 3rd, 2011 at 3:07 am
Great life questions! Very thought provoking! Thanks.
June 6th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
numbers 20,24,and 26 i think are the best ones on here. number 20 for its humor of course, but the other two you really have to think about. it puts you in a state of mind you’re normally not in, or never think about. those are two questions people should wake up and think about every single day.
June 12th, 2011 at 5:03 am
I just wanted to share my thoughts after seeing that another has done so also. Its fun to be able to read along with the comments of other. When other people in the real world just have the time to discusses this questioner with you.
Thanks for reading
Here are my answers
01. 27
02. Never Trying
03. Because for some people good things happen to and other people good things don’t happen to. Its as easy as that.
04. Yes.
05. Getting every living human the opportunity of acknowledging who Our living God is, his son Jesus Christ and their salvation threw him
06. The one I’ve chosen ☺
07. Doing what I believe in
08. Differently? The only thing I’ve reconsidered at times is being more self serving. Or valuing gain. Cause rejection is really getting an ass I hate kissing.
09. None. Besides the mistakes.
1o. Depends. I always try to do the right thing. Yet when my ignorance is a flout then all I can worry about it trying to do try to do my best at what I’m working on.
11. 1) Ask them to please stop. Its not right to criticize others.
2) Tell them I know the person and they must look at the matter from both sides.
3) Leave if they continue anyway.
12. To Breath.
13. Depends. Whose doing the right thing? If their guilty then the law will do justice. If the law is based on a religious tradition with not reasoning or justice. Then the law needs to be changed.
14. Insanity is not something I understand yet. There is demonized and not willing to understand reason by their own choose. To me all true artist, inventors, outcasts are all creative in our own special way.
15. I’m always been weird because I’ve always loved talking to kids a whole lot younger than me instead of just being around kids my own age.
16. I wish I can answer that question. Yet a plain answer just doesn’t seem to satisfy what I’m looking for. One can say “We’re all different” Yet we all drink water and make us happy. Love makes all happy. So its hard to understand it.
17. Go out on a date ☺. This small town society and my parent’s name. Here everyone knows all and wants to know all. So even if we don’t know each other they most likely know my parents or one of my sisters. I just want a date where no one will know existed.
18. Most likely yes. Yet its now become so much a part of me that I no longer can tell if its something that is needed to be removed to begin with.
19. San Francisco, CA. There are no sterotypes, so many new things and international that it doesn’t matter who or what you are. You are free to be who ever you want to be. There is always something to do. Everyone is single, open, artistic, I can go on and on about the place ☺ I’m so happy for the time I had there.
20. Yes, its to please my persistence weather it works or not I need something to do besides stand there.
21. I’m already a joyful simpleton I want to try being genius now ☺
22. Cause of the elements that surrounding me. Provoking and pushing me to a certain direction.
23. Yes. “Treat others as you would want to be treated” I always say
24. Losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you. Getting ignored from one that once cared seems worse than getting cursed from someone you hate.
25. To be alive with God ☺
26. Rather lose all my old memories. Don’t help me none kicking myself over something I can never change. Its easier to change who you are when you no longer know what you’ve been.
27. Yes, yet that doesn’t mean their there aren’t some other true possibilities that come alone with it. There are more than one way to get the job done.
28. Most likely yes. Yet once here its no longer a fear. Cause after passing your still alivc. Most likely it was a unwanted secret that finally came out. —No cause I can’t ever remember what it was.
29. I’m sure I can think something up… Mad at my sisters for bringing my parents so much pain. It shouldn’t matter yet when brought up by others its like its right where we left off.
30. A summer camping trip. Some loved me and I loved someone back. It was so special because they loved me with my faults and everything. An were there for me when no one else in the world was. It an experience that I never knew existed.
31. When in true love
32. When time permit
33. I haven’t achieved it yet. If I drop everything and start on it now. There will be a lot children that will be effected on what they need to learn to grow.
34. The best conversation ever, no. The special connection to their ora or volubility yes
35. The Religion or the love they proclaim isn’t always true. There are those who speak about love and don’t live it. Then there are those who speak about love and follow the religious law of love and live by what is meant to be followed
36. Yes because threw God who is Good. You can know all things Good for he is good.
37. Yeah. Because I want to now start working on my own Corporation I want to invest and develop.
38. More work I’d actually enjoy doing.
39. Yes, only because I’ve been there done that before. Today is my cusion’s High school graduation. Yet because I’ve been to so many of those already and we’re not close. It hard to really value
40. Last week. My dog died two weeks ago. Going outside in the dark. Even though I didn’t want to think it something in side of me wanted to believe he was still there.
41. If everyone or even myself would die tomorrow. I wouldn’t change my schedule. “Live every day as if it be your last” I always say.
42. Excepting, living and knowing that you have a purpose to live for. A gifted skill to process.
43. Most likely. Its not like this life’s society will be much for living for later on anyway.
44. Always. I know it sounds like I seek benefits. Yet its for the benefit of others before myself. Which to me is the right thing to do.
45. Because I Hate to fail. It lowers one worth. Yes you get up and do it again. But failing so many times in a roll is never a pleasant emotion.
46. I would freely be who I really am. I would enjoy and love life. I would be happy to be who I am. Yet I represent the pride shadow of my parents. My siblings have done so much to destroy that, I just find the need to help re-build that. For my parents sake.
47. Everyday
48. I love to be meaningfully touched (hugged, held hand, leaned on, etc). –No, not to the level of meaningful
49. No
50. I’m letting others make it for me. Trying to help others most often means helping those that want the help. An want a certain process with.
True you can’t please everyone but it doesn’t stop me from try to help them to begin with.
June 15th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
I love these questions. I use one every week on facebook!
June 16th, 2011 at 7:53 am
Well that was very interesting. How do you just come up with those questions is my question. And I also wonder how long it took you to do this to really go down deep and pull it out? And how did you even think about doing that? Was it like a dare or something? I think you are very talented because I am a strait A student and I could not do that.
June 20th, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Thank you. Seriously, thank you. That’s all I have to say. I love these questions.
June 22nd, 2011 at 3:04 am
Gracias. Thank you for these thought provoking questions.
June 22nd, 2011 at 1:42 pm
Hats off to you! Really, I love the questions you have put together here.
June 30th, 2011 at 4:53 am
Wonderful, really thought provoking!
July 7th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
Way to encourage people to think for themselves!
July 10th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
These questions are insane to think about. I like the one about happiness being the national currency and the whole if the average life span was 40 years one. Awesome! Thank you!
July 17th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
These questions are just fantastic! Thanks.
July 21st, 2011 at 3:58 am
I love this post. These are questions I ask myself all the time and think about regularly. Funny part is… I still don’t know the answers. But I think that’s the point.
July 27th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Your questions are great! I will respond to each of them everyday starting today if that’s okay with you! Thank you.
Best Regards,
Charismatic C.
July 27th, 2011 at 11:15 pm
Number 12
If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would make sure they know to love everyone equally. Great things happen when, equality is achieved
August 1st, 2011 at 11:10 pm
Dear Marc and Angel,
I came across our blog while researching questions and loved your post. I loved it so much I just had to repost it on my blog. I gave you guys credit and hope that maybe some of my readers will follow you and your words. I hope they love and enjoy your words as much as I enjoyed your posts.
http://ODonnellKM.wordpress.com
thanks for sharing,
Love Katie
August 3rd, 2011 at 4:58 pm
Reading all this i have come to thinking…
I need to ask myself questions like these more often.
I´ll add #1 #50 #22 #10 and #46 to my own list =)
August 21st, 2011 at 4:20 am
To RobFonner (28 April 2011)… SNAP !
Same question. Same age.
I seem to have been asking “Why am I me?” since I was 5 and 6 years old.. and am now 56.
August 24th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
This is perfect… These questions really make me feel easier and to think about things differently.
Thanks.
September 3rd, 2011 at 11:27 pm
I absolutely love this compilation of questions and would like to create a post on my blog that links back to it. I find myself copying and pasting this URL to share with others and finally decided to reach out to see if this will be okay with you.
September 4th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
@Melissa: As long as you link back to our original article, you absolutely may.
September 6th, 2011 at 12:53 am
Heres a question: Would you rather know more from experience or have a higher IQ?
September 9th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Thanks for these inspiring questions. Very helpful.
September 15th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Hey Marc, I finally started the 50 question series. Here is the link where I introduce your site http://acedoubleyou.com/faq/ . Thanks again for compiling the questions, and please stop by sometime.
September 26th, 2011 at 3:45 am
Hi Marc,
I coach people in the Netherlands in their carrier to think about where they want to go and how to achieve that. I’m using a few of these questions when I send them home. It give some interesting input the next session.
Kind regards,
Simon for the Netherlands
October 21st, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Thanks for all the inspiring questions…..i just love it!!!!
This is really helpful.
November 7th, 2011 at 12:35 am
nice collection of questions?
helpfull to all…………
November 13th, 2011 at 12:51 am
i’m trying to do some soul searching and i am glad that the internet led me to these questions. tonight’s date with myself is going to be very interesting. thank you.
November 18th, 2011 at 8:10 pm
Hi Marc,
This is great and very thoughtful. I particularly like “No 12.If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?”
One of the best pieces of advice I will offer my newborn baby is never to run away from pain but embrace it because the avoidance of pain is the beginning of stunted growth.
Thanks alot.
Tunji.
November 22nd, 2011 at 2:10 am
I am really glad I found this blog in Stumbleupon.
I couldn’t help posting my first comment here.
What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
That’s the quote that leaves the deepest impression to me. Because I am working on it now.
THANKS!
November 25th, 2011 at 12:49 am
I always love a good thought-provoking read. Great Post!
November 26th, 2011 at 5:09 am
I am glad to have arrived here. I love these questions. Nice job.
December 5th, 2011 at 6:22 am
Really interesting questions. They lead us to think about difficult aspects of our lives that freshens our minds.
December 30th, 2011 at 9:57 am
Such an inspiring list of questions! Thanks.
January 6th, 2012 at 5:44 pm
These questions are great! It really makes you think about yourself and many other things.
January 9th, 2012 at 5:19 pm
Enjoyed answering these questions! Great collection. Thanks!
January 15th, 2012 at 12:50 pm
Here is my response to question 45:
http://xpressinlif.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/if-we-learn-from-our-mistakes-why-are-we-always-so-afraid-to-make-a-mistake/
January 19th, 2012 at 11:11 pm
Excellent questions! Just the questions that I need to ask myself to make me think and grow.
January 24th, 2012 at 2:16 am
wow, these questions inspire me!
January 25th, 2012 at 11:02 pm
Wow and thank you. I was very pleased and content with most of my answers and it highlighted what I need to work on. This is a really good piece of work. Well done. Very thought provoking.
January 29th, 2012 at 8:22 am
Very deep. I love questions like this. Deep questions that really get you thinking. I’m always thinking why aren’t people taking control of their lives, not enjoying things, living life to the full etc. I wish everyone was as philosophical about themselves.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:35 am
These questions are wonderful. Thank you.
February 9th, 2012 at 10:49 am
50. Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?
————————————————————
Yep, this is exactly the one I need to ask my self right now for the situation I am going thru. I had been feeling uneasy and stuck in anxiety because I was waiting for an answer of someone else’s to decide how I should go on about it.
But I have to have an answer for my self. So I will go on about sparing time for my self to ask what I want to do first.
February 18th, 2012 at 8:49 pm
Awesome questions really makes the mind work and think.
February 20th, 2012 at 7:06 am
You guys are amazing! Thank you for making such wonderful lists that I can share with all my friends.
What really scares me is how so many people just don’t think for themselves anymore. We allow controlled media to do the thinking for us. Many humans just don’t think anymore unless they are encouraged. Really sad to think this.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU for being real and being you.
February 28th, 2012 at 2:13 am
# 29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?
I do and it does. At least, in a way it does. Because five years ago was when my dad left and I haven’t seen him since. I was mad at him for doing that. I was still a kid and now my mom had to raise me and my three brothers on her own.
But, at the same time, it doesn’t matter because I’ve forgiven him. I hate what he did but I love him as a person. “Love the sinner, Hate the sin.” Now, I’m almost an adult, I have a job doing what I love and I’m going to graduate High School soon. My mom did just fine raising me. Even though she was a single parent, she was never alone in raising us. We have so many friends that I have at least 3 ’second moms’ and ‘father-figures’.
Great set of questions. Very inspiring and thought-provoking.
March 6th, 2012 at 11:47 am
#46. I would go swimming in a public pool. I would go to the beach and walk around enjoying the sun and water.
March 8th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
This has just inspired me to write a poem, a rant, a short story, and a philoso-rant. Thanks.
March 8th, 2012 at 8:04 pm
I just came across your post, great set of mind expanding questions. The key to a freedomental life is asking questions, it opens the mind to receive the answer.
March 12th, 2012 at 8:13 pm
Thanks for all the inspiring questions.
March 13th, 2012 at 4:08 am
I’m grateful I came across your website…
March 17th, 2012 at 2:21 pm
It took a while, but I replied to every single question.
You can see my answers in my blog =D
March 18th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
I LOVE IT! Great post.
March 19th, 2012 at 12:34 am
Lets do number twelve.
I would tell the newborn to not grow up too quickly. This generation is growing up so fast and if they knew that from the start that might just change everything.
And not that this really matters but this comment was made by a 13 year old ….. even I agree the world is growing up goo quickly. And like I said I’m only 13!
March 21st, 2012 at 12:02 pm
Great Post. I really like #3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
Steve Jobs said you have to pursue and do what you LOVE, and he is 100% right. People waste their lives working jobs they hate and dream about things they wish they were doing.
Cheers!!
March 23rd, 2012 at 6:19 pm
Answer for question 2:
Never trying. Then you can never learn from your mistakes.
April 3rd, 2012 at 2:32 am
My thoughts:
1. 15 - that’s how old I feel at the moment..
2. Never trying. Though sometimes the thought of failure just stops me from trying. Just causes me to give up.
3. True…
A look at things I like:
- Playing football in the rain / just playing football… brings a smile to my face.. Just makes me happy
- Learning - just learning for the sake of learning is fun
- Reading xD
- Hanging out with friends
Things that I don’t like but do:
- TV ? Dunno why I watch it half the time.. I guess to avoid more work
4. Trying to really start doing things now when I commit…
5. Just making everybody realize that they have the power to lead the lives that they want to lead
6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
Working with kids - doctor…
7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
All these are my choices.. But somehow feels like I have stopped working… almost just settling for the situation as it is
8. - Travel more
- Talk to more people
- Volunteer more
- Hang out more with friends instead of just being at home
9. - Mostly all… All decisions were made by me..
10. - Somehow the first.. I just get caught on the things that I forget to zoom out and see if I am actually doing the right things
11. - Nicely but to the point telling them that much as I respect them they should be respecting my friend…
12. - Don’t take life so seriously…
13. - Depends on situation…
14. - Don’t think so… or actually this one chekhov story.. Most of his stuff.. I just didn’t get it the first time around..
15. - I always do exactly what I feel like… nobody really does that to the extent that I do it… ahahha xD
16. - Different sense of amusement, humour I guess ?
17. - Bungee jumping - don’t know why but I really want to try it.. Have a feeling that I might freak out at the very last minute but gotta just do it.. Been on my mind for a while.. Holding me back - lack of opportunity to do that just now?
18. - Fear of failure..
- Just gotta release it….
19. - Taiwan was first thought actually - weird since I don’t even know how living there would be like..
20. - Sometimes
- Gotta try atleast.. It’s a good placebo..
21. - Idea of being a simpleton is scary
- But I guess geniuses and worry go hand in hand..
- Tough, tough one… for me I think worried genius at this point…
22. - This is exactly the person I want to be?
- Like doing sports, music, difficult subjects. .ahahha and helping people
- What makes me different? Hmm.. Just following my heart, my language abilities, my ability to get along with most people, my childishness
23. - Nope.. And sounds seriously like something I should fix…
- I should talk more (call more), surprise more, and treat more..
- Let the people in my life realize just how important they are to me..
24. - Lot of friends are moving away.. / have.. So kinda got used to it..
- Losing touch I guess..
25. - My freedom to do whatever I feel like doing
- My supporting family and friends.. Really they are the best ones out there.. Though sometimes we all need a break
- For the goodness in the world.. Sometimes whatever you truly desire just happens
- The ability to smile and just be able to keep focusing on the good that there is..
- My guiding teachers..
26. - Losing my old memories might be good for a change since that would really force me to make some new ones.. Losing old ones would mean losing my identity - we are the product of our actions , or something like that… but life would have no meaning if we are just stuck in the past.. So surely just lose all the old ones.. Sure there wouldn’t be a sense of security, identity.. I would lose out on a lot of good ones.. But can keep living..
27. - Nope.. Not for me..
- Unless I have looked at it from all given angles.. Just doesn’t convince me….
28. - I think I kinda focused so much on it that it actually happened.. I am so stuck on the bad things so they just have to happen.. Like this once.. I was sure I was going to drown and nearly did..
29. - Don’t remember no more…
30. - Playing cricket with my friends. The whole atmosphere of friendship, of security of knowing that I could trust all this people and they could trust me, of being part of a team - working together with this sense of camaraderie.
31. - When I last played football.. Just brings a smile to my face… , playing badminton…
- When I was volunteering..especially if I am actually working - like physically making a difference that I can see… makes me just be sure that I am doing the right thing
32. - True that.. Should start on some activities.. Send some mails.. xD
33. - Good question.. Ahahah.. The only think I would lose would be the fear of the action…
34. - Not entirely.. Sometimes there have been conversations based on eye contact.. But not entirely.. Still have to experience this
35. - Because people start manipulating what is written for their own purposes..
36. - I think all of us, deep inside have a sense of whether what we are doing is truly right or wrong…
37. - Not exactly.. I am doing exactly what I want to do.. So no..might use the money for the purpose I guess…
38. - If you enjoy doing it.. It’s not work anymore… so more of it is not an issue.. As long as there is still time for family and friends..
39. - Not really.. Though I guess I could do with a few more changes to the daily routine so that each day is truly enjoyed and celebrated..
40. - Been a while…
41. - Grandparents.. Been a while since I saw them.. Just let them know how I have been doing.. Mostly just spend it with my family… close friends.. Since they are the ones who truly care..
42. - Ahahaha.. Clearly not.. Those things just don’t matter to me.. So no point in losing life over that.. xD
43. - No difference? When one is truly living that’s when you actually feel alive - feel your heart pumping… other times you are just trudging along..
44. - The moment you have the slightest intuitive feeling that what you are doing is the right thing.. That’s when you should just leave all the calculations out..
45. - Because we don’t always learn from them? At the fast pace of life.. We never think really about what we could learn.. We focus more on what it cost us.. Just all the negative impacts from it..
46. - Not much really.. Since people’s opinions don’t matter that much.. But I guess it would reduce the pressure to succeed.. Sometimes.. It seems they care more about my goals than myself.. .
47. - When doing sports?
48. - Family, friends.. Just helping people.. And sports
- Not really.. I kinda thought they would know already how much they mean to me..
49. - Nope.. And sounds like something I really want to change..
50. - Just myself.. Mostly.. So I really have to start realizing that it is really in my own two hands.. And what I do now is going to affect what and who I will be…
———————————-
Thank you for the questions.. helps look at things for a different perspective..
April 11th, 2012 at 6:20 am
Love these questions!
April 14th, 2012 at 1:01 am
Reading these questions really freshened my mind and made me remember my moral science classes which i took when I was young.
April 19th, 2012 at 8:40 pm
It’s a really amazing exercise to answer all these question, it can open your mind. Thanks for putting this together.
May 4th, 2012 at 5:34 pm
A different side of my brain has officially now received a work out..Thanks for such a great opportunity to delve in to one’s own being…Specific questions really opened new doors in my mind. Zara Xx
May 8th, 2012 at 7:05 pm
This is very thought provoking. thank you
June 4th, 2012 at 6:32 pm
Just asking questions. Sometimes that is all that it takes to get our juices flowing and our minds motivated. Thanks for these great questions to help inspire!
June 15th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
Thanks for asking such a wonderful questions. It makes the difference in ones living by just dealing with these questions.
Love
Aman
July 8th, 2012 at 9:15 am
Great questions! I stumbled upon it by accident. In my opinion the best one was “what makes you, you?”.
July 11th, 2012 at 12:48 pm
These questions are great!
July 19th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
I love these questions!
July 24th, 2012 at 4:47 pm
My mind is free now :))
July 29th, 2012 at 11:23 am
Great list with some insightful questions! Most are great as a meditation focus…
I love the “If life is short, why do we do so many things we don’t like, and like so many things we don’t do?” In fact, this thought hit me a few years ago (or at least a similar though) and started taking regular vacations with my kids, as well as now we kayak more, go fishing regularly, swim, and do all the things living by the Atlantic ocean allows us to do
I printed out the list and commit to read a few of them daily
August 10th, 2012 at 1:03 pm
These were excellent!
Thanks for asking…(no pun intended)
September 6th, 2012 at 8:41 am
Some really good questions. Got a lot to ponder over now
Cheers!
September 20th, 2012 at 7:33 am
Interesting questions indeed
October 1st, 2012 at 12:51 am
These inquiries certainly challenge one’s acuity, don’t they? I’m personally fond of these select few you asked,
“10.Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?”,
“26.Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?”, and
“27.Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?”
because they made me examine a side of myself that I typically refrain from contemplating.
Number Ten made me question my morals and the vitality of them, and I found that my beliefs of right and wrong are largely equivocal. Ethical alignment oft confuses me, as while I see no true significance in benevolence, I am usually inclined to act upon what I believe to be selfless and good - willed for reasons I don’t entirely understand.
I enjoyed number twenty - six quite a bit. I had the strangest thought lurking in my mind at that one, and it was that memory itself is too fragile a thing to have definite effect upon a fragment of it being sacrificed; if I lose my memory of my past, and all the knowledge and sagacity due of previous experiences, will I not merely commence to endure the same mistakes again, ergo only resetting my entire life to watch helplessly and restlessly as the same unfamiliar consequences envelope me? In that case, would it ever be possible to make any new memories at all if I were not equipped with ones I’d already accumulated?
And finally, Number twenty - seven, the most elaborate of them all, in my opinion. Truth is forever vague, isn’t it? We, as human beings, exist with an atypical nature to behave in inquisitive intent, our curiosity driving us more apt to uncover the universe’s secrets than most other organisms. We are not here, living these lives simply to worship what we already comprehend. Instead, we are here to question anything we don’t.
Very interesting questions, they made me think, got me rather focused and prepared my brain. Thank you for taking the time to come up with all of these.
November 3rd, 2012 at 4:28 pm
Wow. These questions are really something to think about. Thank you!
November 26th, 2012 at 11:25 am
Are you holding onto something you need to let go of? - this one hits me hard.
January 7th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
One of the best posts I have ever read. Second question is my favorite.
February 1st, 2013 at 3:28 am
You’re encouraging me to purchase a notebook to list these thoughts.
February 2nd, 2013 at 5:21 pm
I love this question especially…
“If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?”
my answer: because we care about other people and things in our lives.
February 21st, 2013 at 1:30 pm
I liked the questions. Easy to understand and straightforward.
1. How old would you be, if you didn’t know how old you are?
My answer: 14.
2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?
My answer: never trying (this is what I think, not what I always do.)
3. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
My answer: doing the right things; doing things right can be my duty though.
4. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
My answer: Screw all the people and books that will teach you how to live and walk your own way.
5. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
My answer: a worried genius.
6.Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
My answer: lose all my memories, this cannot be bad at all.
7. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
My answer: heck, yeah, a thousand times before and a thousand times after.
March 2nd, 2013 at 4:34 pm
Great questions: really inspiring!
March 28th, 2013 at 1:11 am
Thanks again for posting these - I am having a ball answering these (slowly)! I’m about halfway through them now and linking back to your entry each time.
April 11th, 2013 at 8:47 am
Great post! I really enjoyed answering the questions. Really inspiring! Thanks.
May 7th, 2013 at 8:27 pm
Wow! really made me think, letting go off the things I hold onto for no particular reason really resonates with me.
Great questions to ponder, all of them, THANK YOU!
May 13th, 2013 at 10:09 pm
Number 40, “When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?” is the one I relate to the most- at the moment, since I’m starting a campaign in my province and have no idea how it will turn out. It’s an issue that affects a lot of people so it has to be done, and I’m grateful to take on the challenge.
May 18th, 2013 at 12:24 am
These are awesome questions! I think I am going to add a few, and send it to my Coaching clients to have them explore on their own, and then pick a few that they don’t like the answer to and then work on those areas.
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