“There are naive questions, tedious questions, ill-phrased questions, questions put after inadequate self-criticism. But every question is a cry to understand the world. There is no such thing as a dumb question.” – Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World

Are some questions “dumb”? Maybe in the moment—but even the worst-formed ones come from a mental framework that can (and should) be interrogated. Dumb questions are just undercooked thoughts in need of more time in the oven.

Sagan argues that even bad questions are valuable if they’re met with curiosity instead of ridicule. They show the desire to understand, even when execution fails. Rather than dismiss the questioner, unpack their assumptions. Also, how a question is asked matters. A sloppy question can reveal a deeper confusion worth addressing.

I love how in the footnotes of the same page on which this quote is printed, Sagan parenthetically remarks, “I’m excluding the fusillade of ‘whys’ that two-year-olds sometimes pelt their parents with — perhaps in an effort to control adult behavior.” This is seemingly universal. Hell, I’m pretty sure I did it, too.

Also, “fusillade” is an awesome word: “a series of shots fired or missiles thrown all at the same time or in quick succession.” according to the Oxford Dictionary. His use of such an uncommon word here is such a rhetorical flex, making toddler tantrums sound like a round of Modern Warfare. Honestly, I think two-year-olds are tiny epistemological field generals. They’re relentless, strategic, and completely immune to shame.