Just Powers

Buddha apparently once said:

There are these four ways of answering questions. Which four? There are questions that should be answered categorically [straightforwardly yes, no, this, that]. There are questions that should be answered with an analytical (qualified) answer [defining or redefining the terms]. There are questions that should be answered with a counter-question. There are questions that should be put aside. These are the four ways of answering questions.

Emma is full of questions these days. No, I mean REALLY full of questions. As in, asking questions all the time. To the point that I am often left literally speechless. And most of her questions are the tough kind, the ones that according to Buddha should be answered with an analytical answer. No yes or no questions for my girl.

Here is the conversation we had this morning while driving:

Emma: We are behind a truck.
Me: Yes, we are behind a truck.
Emma: Why are we behind a truck?
Me: Um, because the truck is in front of us. But I am going to stop being behind the truck now.
Emma: Why are you going to stop being behind the truck?
Me: Because when we are behind a truck I can’t see anything. Except right now there is a lot of traffic, so it is hard for me to get into the next lane (cursing softly under my breath at the jackass who won’t let me in.)
Emma: Why is it hard for you to get in the lane?
Me: Because there is a lot of traffic.
Emma: Why is there a lot of traffic?
Me: Because there are a lot of cars.
Emma: Why are there a lot of cars?
Me: Because there are a lot of people going places, like school or work or running errands like we are.
Emma: There are a lot of people going to school or work?
Me: Yep.
Emma: Why are a lot of people going to school or work?
Me: (CRAP.) Um, because people have to go places, just like we do.
Emma: But why do they have to go places?
Me: I don’t know honey, they just do.

You get the idea. It is exhausting. You are probably exhausted just reading it right? That conversation went on until we reached our destination, at least 7-10 minutes later.

Obviously the questions have a strong purpose. She is trying to get to the bottom of things, to make sense of her world. And that is awesome. She is growing and learning and becoming such a strong, smart, questioning little person. I love it.

I am just not sure I am up to the task…