People specialize in which sort of questions they ask more easily:
HOW
How do I do it? How is it done?
WHY
Why do I do it? Why is it done?
Their personalities tend to distribute bimodally too. How people know details, facts, are easily undermined in their thinking by a false statement, and are often floored by a metaphysical view shift. They are incredibly good at using their knowledge in orderly or exacting ways. These people are highly rewarded, but will find ceilings just near the top of their journey - at best.
Why people know strategies and reasons, are easily undermined by an avalanche of facts true or false, and are often floored by the push in this society to become how people. They are incredibly good at thinking longer term or at thinking through a complexity with top down strategies. Many tend towards the sloppiness of shamanism and prophetism. Their journey is usually thwarted at teh very beginning, andonce past the initial, almost impossible hurdle, will end up only at the top. Don't ask them about the details.
I tend to correlate sentience with why-ness. I haven't found an except into this. I have seen many why people beten into how molds, some succssfully so - althogh they end up miserable and strangely unfulfilled. I want to leave the air traffic control jobs to the how people and the quality of life additions to why people.
I strive only to be an incredibly successful why person. How details seem to distract and destroy why thinking. For me, it goes beyond the why do it and into the why do we exist, why does the universe exist, why be happy, why continue existing at all. The how versions of these questions are where I think most poeple get to. How do I survive, how the does the universe (big bang, god), how do I be happy. Yawners all of them. In Canada, these are provided for you. Simple as that.
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Another thoughtful reply:
Date: Tue, 16 Jul 1996 11:14:01 -0700
Carolyn:
I've been keeping up with you in the diary again. You really are a marvel at exposing your inner thoughts! I could not do this, and I feel remarkably capable these days.
I think your exposure of How vs. Why was wonderful and very insightful.
My advice to you: Don't approach How as distinguishable from Why during these "troubled" times of yours. Rather, ask first why do I seek what I seek? If the answer is deserving, then ask How do I accomplish what I seek? In other words, utilize the two to their advantage, but fulfill yourself with the why upfront. You are clearly capable of both (as so few are), so _why_ restrict your capabilities. I hope this is not too non-sensical to be understood.
Please continue being the absolutely magnificent example of a sentient human being that you exemplify with every breath you take. I love you (but not in that _disgusting_ pair-bonding way you detest)*, keep well.
Keep in touch.