Freedom

If I were an oppressive government;

If I were a tyrant;

If I were a dictator;

If I were the Devil;

… my highest priority would be shaping my subjects’ perception of reality. I would want everyone’s understanding to be mine to mold. Then I would constrict their understanding ever tighter, like a noose around a neck, until there was no escape.

My first targets would be those who ask questions. Questions are sharp, like hidden daggers. They free those who hang at my gallows of deception, cutting the noose I had so carefully slipped over society's head.

If I were an oppressive government, I would outlaw questions.

If I were a tyrant, I would instill fear in those who ask.

If I were a dictator, I would punish those who wonder.

If I were the devil, I would have shame arise in place of curiosity – shame for not knowing all the answers.

If I wanted to make people stagnate and prevent them from changing, I would rob them of the ability to think critically.

I would make them think affirmation is more important than discovery and growth.

I would help them create a bubble in which they could feel safe, and I would remove the one thing that could burst it: the question.

Dear readers, I earnestly ask you to consider the following:

One of the most important things you will do during your lifetime is ask questions.

It matters not how simple they are.

It matters not how ridiculous they seem, or whether you get mocked or admired for asking them.

If a question arises within you, pursue its answer.

Your questions will cut you free from every noose in which you become ensnared. They will burst every bubble of safety you create.

And you will be better off for it.

There is freedom to be found in the pursuit of questions, freedom that is unrivaled by the comforting hug of familiarity, which the gallows of deception offer.

I am certain that I am not the only one who has feigned comprehension when faced with things I actually did not understand.

I am certain that I am not the only one who has avoided asking a question because I felt I should already know the answer.

I am certain that I am not the only one who has stifled questions, too afraid to discover the answers.

Have you, too, made these choices?

Now is the time to stop.

A question is like a hidden dagger.

When you stand at the gallows and a noose of lies is slipped over your head, you’ll want to have one handy.

Acknowledge the question!

Pursue the truth!