Ok, But Why?

By Giovanna Bongiorno, IMF/WB Fellow 2024

Ok, but why? Why is there a housing crisis in Australia? Why is wealth inequality an issue? Why is inflation still rising? Why are people predicting a recession? Why is the legislative framework in Australia failing to address the issues in our economy? Why haven’t we taken a different approach? Why don’t we implement new ideas?

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Global Voices Pre-Departure Briefing, in preparation for my attendance at the IMF / World Bank Annual General Meeting in Washington D.C. Upon arrival in Canberra, I was grateful to step into an environment defined by generosity of thought, where the collective wisdom of the group felt far greater than the sum of its parts.

When surrounded by beautifully bright minds, it is easy to believe the misguided notion that the most intelligent person in the room is the one who makes their intelligence known. However, what became clear to me was that true intelligence lies not in the articulation of knowledge, but rather in the ability to listen and ask insightful questions. Naturally, we rush to offer our opinions and share our viewpoints, particularly in unfamiliar settings where we feel the need to demonstrate our competence. However, the most valuable insights I gained this week did not stem from my own words but rather from actively listening and asking, ‘ok, but why?’

Perhaps the mark of a truly intelligent person is the ability to humbly listen and confidently ask questions. A wise soul understands the value in being quick to listen and slow to speak, as well as the power of asking ‘why’. When we pose questions, we push beyond superficial details, exposing the underlying core of an issue. By asking questions — not merely reciting established understanding — new knowledge is uncovered and constructed. The experiences I had this week showed me that the most intelligent human beings are not those who pretend to have all the answers, but rather those who have the courage to ask and contemplate viewpoints that challenge their existing understanding.

But how can one ask intelligible questions if they do not pause to listen first? We often underestimate the power of listening; not passive, but active, engaged listening that invites dialogue and fosters mutual understanding. When we listen with genuine curiosity, we communicate the powerful truth that the other person’s perspective matters. In doing so, we create an environment where people feel encouraged to speak, share, and collaborate. In all interactions, we should aspire to speak in such a way that others love to listen and to listen in such a way that others love to speak with us.

Asking questions is not merely a soft skill; it is a foundational piece to solving the problems puzzling our communities. Whatever your position, vocation, passion, or calling, the ability to ask the right questions and openly listen to diverse perspectives is what accelerates our collective and individual development. Although it often feels tempting to rush toward solutions, if we fail to ask ‘why’ — or refuse to listen to the response — we risk missing the very insights that could lead to paramount progress.

Whether in professional settings or personal conversations, let me encourage you to set fear aside, embrace curiosity, seek wisdom, and ask questions. Asking questions is not a sign of weakness or foolishness; it is a mark of intellectual humility and strength. When we ask ‘why’, we reveal our desire to understand, not just to be heard. When we hear and consider what the person in front of us is saying, we allow others to feel valued and understood. In these circumstances, meaningful connections are made, wisdom is exchanged, and innovative ideas are advanced.

During my time in Canberra, the people who asked the best questions, not those who had the most polished answers, made the strongest impressions. These individuals demonstrated that true changemakers do not merely showcase what they know but rather seek to understand what they do not. In doing so, they encouraged the best out of those around them, creating an environment where ideas were ignited, and knowledge was collectively enriched.

In an age where information is readily accessible, it is easy to confuse knowledge with wisdom. However, knowledge without curiosity is inert. Wisdom is born from asking why, challenging the status quo, and seeking new perspectives through meaningful dialogue. A wise person has the humility to admit that they do not know everything, and the courage to ask the right questions in the hope that one day they may.

Whether you find yourself in a boardroom, a ballroom, a classroom, or a conversation anywhere, listen intently, think deeply, speak kindly, and always ask ‘why’.

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The views and opinions expressed by Global Voices Fellows do not necessarily reflect those of the organisation or its staff.