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
Photo by: Sanctuary
Lance says
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…
Bud Hennekes says
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! 🙂
Paul says
These are some pretty deep questions that made me think. Thanks.
Positively Present says
I love these questions. So much to think about now!!! 🙂
Frank Polenose says
I like Number 2 the best – better to keep failing in my opinion… not that I do. 🙂
Rosa says
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 😉
Andre Irbach says
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.
Patricia says
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
Clora says
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.
Vincent says
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
Tim Brownson says
I lmao at #8. As I’m already 46 the answer would be very carefully! 😉
Some great questions, Marc.
floreat says
great lists of questions. it’s got me thinking. it also makes me realize my “issues” or problems aren’t unique.
Mark says
Great Post. thanks for it.
leandra says
#21…the problem with the world at large, yeah? haha.
lots to think about. thanks.
Jeff says
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.
zencontrol.net says
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..
Lori says
“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:)
Jonathan - Advanced Life Skills says
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.
Marc says
@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.
Karl Staib - Work Happy Now says
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. 🙂
Alison | Quest for Balance says
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. : )
Stephen - Rat Race Trap says
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.
Dayne | TheHappySelf.com says
“#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
Srinivas Rao says
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.
Robin Easton says
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
ihna says
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
levancharly says
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.
Evita says
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!
zencontrol.net says
Brilliant collection. … have bookmarked it
David Cain says
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.
J.D. Meier says
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.
Karla says
thank you for these, they really made me think.
John says
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.
Vijay Kumar Raisinghani says
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!
Tim | Inspiration Central says
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.
Generation Millionaire says
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.
Trish says
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.
karl says
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?
Chris Connell says
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/
jonathanfigaro says
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”
robb says
this is a good read.
i really loved all the questions.
Ben | Self Help Gold says
There are some nice thought provoking questions there. I like “What are you most grateful for?”. I ask that myself every day.
jack says
added number 51:
what would you do if you knew you could not fail
not sure where i saw that but it fits…
mihai says
Thank you for your post. It was most interesting and thoughtful.
Robbie says
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.
Felix says
Number 13… Of course, I would break the law to save someone I didn’t even like (excluding rape, murder etc)
Matt says
I just got done reading this and it really got me thinking. I just want to say thank you for this.
Nan says
# 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.
Christopher Canada says
Thank you for this list. 🙂