On the power of “Why not?”

Often in conversations you will be asked “Why?”. It could be in response to something that you said, it could be in response to something that you did or it could be in response to one of your convictions.

While there are legitimate reasons to ask why, I propose that the question “Why not?” is even more powerful.

“Why not?” helps us to envision alternative realities. “Why not?” keeps the dream alive. “Why not?” is the question that the dreamer will ask. “Why not?” is also the question that the innovator will ask. “Why not?” is the question that those who change the world keep asking. And they will not let rationalism, reality or common sense interfere with their vision, their dream, their ideal.

Yet some of those who dream, will get thrown off by the question “Why?”. Why can actually be a really destructive word. How many dreams in the world have been buried because of the question why. Because after the question why was posed, no sufficient answer was found.

So, every time you ask “Why?” the next time, ask yourself if you can maybe ask “Why not?” in its stead.