Life Reflections
Dive into the past year or the present moment with questions that make you pause and ponder your experiences.
Why do people so rarely ask a really good question?
Unpacking 'The Question Book': A Journey of Self-Discovery
Why do people so rarely ask a really good question?
Hey there, book lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on a truly unique gem, The Question Book by Mikael Krogerus and Roman Tschäppeler. This isn’t your typical read—it’s a thought-provoking experiment turned into a book, packed with 616 questions that challenge, inspire, and reveal. Born from the curiosity of why we often shy away from asking the big, bold questions, this book invites you to reflect deeply on your life, relationships, and aspirations. Whether you’re using it as a personal diary, a conversation starter at a dinner party, or a tool to connect with loved ones, it’s a versatile companion for self-discovery. The authors don’t provide answers; they leave that to you, making it an intimate journey of introspection. Let’s dive into what makes this book so special and explore its core themes!
Career & Work
Explore your professional journey, aspirations, and workplace dynamics through insightful prompts.
Why do you get up in the morning?
Relationships & Love
Uncover truths about your connections, from family and friends to romantic partners, with deep, personal queries.
Do you love your partner? How do you know?
Personal Growth & Fears
Face your fears, dreams, and aspirations with questions that push you toward growth and self-understanding.
What are you afraid of?
Life Reflections
Exploring Your Past and Present
This module of The Question Book is all about grounding yourself in your own timeline. With sections like "Last Year" and "Right Now," it encourages you to take stock of your recent experiences and current state. The book throws out questions like "What changed your life in the last twelve months?" or "Where are you right now?"—simple yet powerful prompts that can lead to surprising revelations. I love how these questions act as a snapshot of your life, capturing fleeting moments and emotions you might otherwise overlook.
Highlighted Insight: Why do people so rarely ask a really good question? This opening query sets the tone for the entire book, urging you to think about the power of curiosity in unlocking deeper truths.
What’s brilliant here is the invitation to use this book in any way you see fit—whether as a diary, a travel companion, or a memoir starter. The authors emphasize flexibility, encouraging you to scribble, start from the back, or even add your own questions. For me, this section was a reminder to slow down and reflect on the small, often ignored details of life, like the three things I can reach without getting up or the word that describes my current state. It’s less about finding definitive answers and more about starting a dialogue with yourself.
Visualizing Your Timeline
Last Year Reflections
Reflect on the past twelve months—your highs, lows, and lessons learned.
2024-05-01
Right Now Snapshot
Capture your current moment—where are you, and how do you feel?
2025-05-01
Career & Work
Navigating Professional Paths
The career-focused questions in this book are a goldmine for anyone looking to reassess their professional life. From "What do you do for a living?" to "Why do you get up in the morning?"—these prompts dig into your motivations and aspirations. There’s also a raw honesty in asking about workplace dynamics, like what frustrates you most at work or how popular you are among colleagues. I found myself journaling late into the night, unpacking why I’ve pursued certain paths and whether I’m truly successful by my own standards.
Highlighted Insight: Why do you get up in the morning? This question cuts to the core of your purpose, forcing you to confront whether your work aligns with your deeper values.
The book doesn’t shy away from tough topics, like burnout, career turning points, or even what your boss thinks of you. It’s a safe space to be brutally honest, and I appreciated the variety—there are questions for employees, bosses, and even colleagues, ensuring everyone finds something relatable. This section felt like a personal career coach, nudging me to dream bigger while staying grounded in reality.
Visualizing Work Dynamics
Career Priorities
Relationships & Love
Deepening Connections
Relationships are at the heart of The Question Book, with sections dedicated to love, family, friends, and even how others perceive you. Questions like "Do you love your partner? How do you know?" or "Who are you closer to: your mother or your father?" peel back layers of emotion and history. I was struck by how these prompts made me reconsider my connections, revealing both strengths and areas needing attention. It’s not just about romantic love—there’s space for friendships, sibling dynamics, and even past regrets.
Highlighted Insight: Do you love your partner? How do you know? This question isn’t just about feelings—it’s about evidence, pushing you to define love in tangible ways.
What I found most compelling was the book’s encouragement to ask others for their perspectives—whether it’s your partner, parents, or friends. It’s a bold move to include questions like "What does your partner think about you?" or "What irritates you about me?" These can spark vulnerable, transformative conversations. For me, this section was a reminder that relationships thrive on curiosity and openness, even when the answers are hard to hear.
Visualizing Relationship Dynamics
Reflect on Love
Consider how you express and receive love in your relationships.
Evaluate Friendships
Think about who you’ve known longest and who knows you best.
Family Connections
Dive into your ties with parents and siblings—what do you admire or struggle with?
Others’ Perspectives
Imagine or ask how others see you, uncovering blind spots in your self-perception.
Personal Growth & Fears
Facing Inner Truths
This module is where The Question Book gets raw, tackling fears, anxieties, and aspirations head-on. Questions like "What are you afraid of?" or "What has been the most difficult stage of your life so far?" demand courage to answer honestly. I found myself confronting fears I hadn’t named in years, as well as dreams I’d buried under daily routines. The book also asks about happiness, faith, and your future, blending existential musings with practical reflection.
Highlighted Insight: What are you afraid of? This simple question opens a floodgate of introspection, helping you identify barriers to growth.
The beauty of this section is its balance—it’s not all heavy. There are lighter prompts about what you’re looking forward to or a moment of pure happiness. It’s a holistic approach to personal growth, acknowledging that understanding your fears is as important as chasing your dreams. For me, this was the most transformative part of the book, pushing me to imagine my future while reconciling with my past.
Visualizing Personal Priorities
Life Focus Areas