Uchikura & Co., LLC

"Kiku wa ittoki no haji, kikanu wa isshō no haji."
(聞くは一時の恥、聞かぬは一生の恥)
 
In English, it means:
 
"To ask is a moment's shame; not to ask is a lifetime's shame."
 
The proverb teaches us that there is no shame in asking questions. Many people avoid asking because they are afraid of appearing inexperienced or uninformed. They worry that others may judge them for not knowing the answer. As a result, they stay silent.
 
The problem is that silence often prevents learning. The brief embarrassment of asking a question may last only a few seconds, but the consequences of not asking can last much longer. A missed opportunity to learn can become a mistake, a misunderstanding, or a lost chance for growth.
 
I have seen this happen many times in business. People attend meetings, listen to presentations, and leave with unanswered questions. Later, those unanswered questions become confusion, delays, or unnecessary work. Often, all of that could have been avoided if someone had simply raised a hand and asked.
 
Whether in school, business, or everyday life, learning begins with curiosity. Asking questions is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of a willingness to learn. The smartest people are often those who are not afraid to ask.

 

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/559620/shame