Thought questions are intended to inspire introspection, discussion, and debate, less to discover which answer is right and more to test an idea’s durability from differing angles. The goal is to provoke thought and refine articulation.
“Thought Questions” are well suited for teachers, educators, youth groups, socials, group discussions, family gatherings, personal improvement, and more.
Gastrodia Agnicellus was dubbed the world’s ugliest orchid. Whatever endearment botanists chose, the image of the orchid above could easily be a concept design for a little shop with horrors. Some recoil, some gaze with morbid wonder, all probably agree this orchid doesn’t match the classic imagery of flower, blossom, or bloom. In other words, it’s understood why they call it ugly.
Imagine adding hypothetical characteristics to that initial impression. Do they confirm or alter your second glance?
For example, if the orchid was poisonous or toxic, does this suit its look? Has it become uglier? Do you bother with it any longer?
What if the orchid was a curative or even a panacea, did your perception change somehow? You may still think it ugly, but does this flower merit a second, longer look? Do you examine the photo in an attempt to spot where such benefit could grow in something so visually unappealing?
Now, imagine this is no longer an orchid, but a person. How hideous do the features first appear?
If you meet someone ugly, and find his character matches, does he maintain appearance or become even harder on the eye? Do more than his looks become intolerable to behold?
If you meet someone ugly, and find his character shines, does he maintain appearance or does goodness shift his features? Does knowing more temper or soften the overall look?
What if he’s eloquent? Intelligent? What if he makes you laugh? What if he goes out of his way to do you a favor? Do any of these change how you view him? Do you focus on the incongruence between face and character still?
Perhaps knowing how kind or friendly or helpful or forgiving or moral someone facially ugly truly is makes it so he’s not even that ugly anymore.