當我們問錯了問題，
自然會浪費時間去解決那條錯了的問題。
愚蠢的問題，背後往往有一個或者多個錯誤的假設，
如果有的是時間，愚蠢的問題可以繼續問下去，直到天荒地老；
如果時間有限，自然需要在「問問題」的方法上接受訓練。
換言之，「問問題」本身就是一種學問，
一種未必能夠完全可以學得到的學問，
因為天才往往「發想無端」，他們具備優秀的直覺和預感！
而直覺和預感，暫時還未有傳授的方法。
It is a commonplace that all research must start
from a problem. Research can be successful
only if the problem is good; it can be original
only if the problem is original. But how can
one see a problem, any problem, let alone a
good and original problem ？ For to see a
problem is to see something that is hidden.
It is to have an intimation of the coherence
of hitherto not comprehended particulars.
( Michael Polanyi, 1966 )
這就是為甚麼我們往往可以從別人如何「問問題」的過程之中，
判斷出他的聰明才智，因為聰明人和愚蠢人問的問題是不同的。
To understand a question is to have some idea
of what would count as an answer to it, and
some idea of the steps by which it could be
established for any given answer whether that
answer is or is not a correct answer to it.
( Renford Bambrough, Reason, Truth and God, 1969 )
Judge a man by his questions
rather than his answers.
( Voltaire )
Questions show the mind’s range,
and answers its subtlety.
( Joseph Joubert )
不論是讀書還是做學問，學習「如何問問題」絕對是重要的。
The greatest challenge to any thinker is stating
the problem in a way that will allow a solution.
( Bertrand Russell )
In many scientific problems
the difficulty is to state the question rightly;
once that is done, it may almost answer itself.
( Jacob Bronowski, 1951 )
懂得怎樣去問問題，問對了問題，往往事情就已經解決了一半。
A problem well stated is a problem half solved.
( Charles Kettering )
To ask the right question is
already half the solution of a problem.
( Carl Jung, The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious, 1934 )
凡是問題，只要問對了，就必然有答案，
而答案必然屬於下列的各種情況之一種：
1. 永遠不可能知道答案，只能夠猜測。
2. 只需要調查或做實驗就可以知道答案。
3. 知道答案一定不是某個可能。
4. 知道答案是某幾個可能之一。
5. 知道答案是由多個因素因緣際合而造成。
如果認為筆者在討論讀書和做學問的過程中，
誇張了「問問題」的重要性，不妨參考一下這兩句說話：
The formulation of a problem is far more often
essential than its solution, which may be merely
a matter of mathematical or experimental skill.
To raise new questions, new possibilities,
to regard old problems from a new angle
requires creative imagination
and marks real advance in science.
( Albert Einstein and Leopold Infeld )
A scientist is called “great” not so much
because he has solved a problem as because
he has posed a problem the solution of which …
will make for a real progress.
( Hadley Cantril, 1950 )
如果想做學問做得好，有三大條件：
巨人肩膀，良師啟導，益友切磋。