Ask a Foolish Question

Ask a Foolish Question by Robert Sheckley is a provocative science fiction tale that delves into the philosophical nature of inquiry, intelligence, and the pursuit of ultimate truth. First published in the early 1950s, the story follows beings from across the universe—especially Morran and Lingman—as they seek out the enigmatic Answerer, a near-omniscient entity designed to reveal the answers to any question. But as the seekers discover, the quality of the answer depends entirely on the quality of the question. Sheckley weaves a clever and contemplative narrative that challenges readers to consider how knowledge is shaped not just by what we ask, but by our ability to understand the answers. Perfect for fans of thought-provoking science fiction, Ask a Foolish Question is a timeless meditation on the limits of understanding and the nature of wisdom.