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Why, why?
 "You have to wash your hands before
eating".
"Why?"
"You have to be nice to the guests."
"Why?"
Why? Why? Why? This is a word we tend to ask over and over again, to seek clarity in a variety of issues.
A child grows up by asking 'why'. He asks,
"Why is the sky blue?" "Why do we have to brush our teeth," in his initial years. Later, he matures a bit and starts asking, "Why can't I play longer? Why do we have to study?"
And in his adolescent age, he starts asking,
"Why can't I go out with my friends?" "What's wrong if I go to a disco?" and so on...
 An exasperated parent says, "My 3-year-old is ever asking me 'why'. Whatever the answer, he's never satisfied."
The trick would be to put yourself in his shoes and answer him. A question should be answered indirectly, and that will result in an air of delight in the child instead of another 'why'.
I want to know why things are the way they are. Who else will I question other than my teachers and
parents, says a 6-year-old with a clarity that amazes and amuses you at the same time.
This curiosity to know things is what is going to make the children become bright youngsters, and from a bright youngster to a brilliant-and-just adult. Thus, curiosity in children and youth must be encouraged as much as possible.
Remember, millions saw the apple fall but only Newton asked why.
Srinivasa Ramanujam
Published on 30th June, 2004
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