Question 3 Levels Down

(DRAFT)

Note: this is a tool/guide for problem solving or acquisition of knowledge, and to develop critical thinking skills


Develop Deeper Understanding of Things and Better Problem Solving Skill:

Follow this rule if you want to have sufficient understand of any topic, issue or problem. People with better understanding of problems are also much better at solving the problems.

When you try to learn or find things out, the first reply or intial information yout get is usually very superficial and will not enable you to truly understand the topic at hand. You need to probe at least 3 levels down.

That means everytime you get or are given an explanation, continue to probe further by asking questions at least 3 more levels down using questions that start with Why, When, Where, What & How


Develop Critical Thinking:

Whenever you try to determine the cause or reason for something, always find or think of at least 3 reasons or causes for it. Do not stop thinking or searching after obtaining the first reason.

In many cases, the first reason that comes to people's mind is the most superficial or obvious one but it may not be the real or only reason. Also, many things in Nature do not happen for only one reason, the same way that there are always more than one use for everything.

In general, inquisitive people with more critical thinking or cynical outlook are better in coming up with more reasons for why or how things happen.