The Art of Asking Questions: Unlocking the World of Possibilities

Sura Karnawi
3 min readMay 31, 2023
pale blue acrylic painted skies, it gets lighter towards the bottom, tree and tree house in the middler. there’s red hair character swinging a rope. Unleaving video game screenshot
Unleaving video game screenshot from Awake Chapter

We live in a world filled with assumptions. Every day, we encounter situations where we unknowingly fall into the trap of making assumptions without taking the time to ask questions. Whether it’s in our personal relationships, professional lives or even our creativity, assumptions can close doors and hinder our growth.

Children, on the other hand, serve as wonderful reminders of the power of curiosity and questioning. We can learn from them, it’s their innate ability to stay curious. Children ask questions because they live in the moment, and to them, everything is possible. As we grow older, we often lose this sense of wonder and become hesitant to ask questions. We worry about appearing ignorant or not independent to others. But what if we could have that curiosity and let it guide us towards new opportunities and growth?

Let me share a personal story that illustrates the transformative impact of asking questions. I was working on my debut video game, still in its prototype phase, when I stumbled upon the artwork of an incredibly talented artist. Her art style resonated with me deeply, as it captured emotions in a way that I envisioned for my game. However, I immediately made assumptions that she wouldn’t be interested in collaborating with someone inexperienced like me, and I let that door close.

But as time went on, a sense of unease settled within me. I began to wonder, “What if there’s a possibility?” How would I ever know if I didn’t ask the question? So, with a mix of nerves and excitement, I reached out to her and expressed my admiration for her work. To my surprise, she was genuinely interested in my project and eagerly got involved. Her artistic contribution transformed my game into something far more beautiful and emotional than I had ever imagined. All because I asked a simple question.

I learnt assumptions can limit us, but questions hold the key to unlock our true potential. By asking questions, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. We break free from the limitations imposed by our assumptions and embrace the unknown with a curious mind.

Sura Karnawi and Diala Brisly art collabortaion — animation session
Sura and Diala Collaboration

The art of asking questions goes beyond a mere quest for information. It’s about connecting with others, fostering collaboration, and challenging the status quo. When we ask questions, we engage in meaningful conversations that enable us to understand different perspectives, gain new insights, and foster creativity. We empower ourselves to make informed decisions and create a positive impact in our lives and the lives of those around us.

So, I invite you to join me in the world of possibilities. Embrace your inner curiosity and let it guide your journey. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem simple or if the answers may challenge your assumptions. Approach each interaction with an open mind, ready to explore and learn. Remember that the greatest discoveries, innovations, and connections often emerge from the simple act of asking a question.

As we embrace the art of asking questions, let us cultivate a culture that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and growth. By doing so, we open ourselves up to a world where limitations are shattered, opportunities abound, and true potential is realized.

So, ask with genuine curiosity. Don’t assume!

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Sura Karnawi

I feel the more I live the more I become convinced I don’t need more knowledge, materials or anything I just need more open heart & open mind to people & ideas