Have you ever heard the saying, “Asking questions will get you to Rome”?
It’s a popular Spanish proverb — “preguntando se llega a Roma” — and it reminds us of a timeless truth: no matter how far, complicated, or intimidating a goal may seem, the surest way to get there is by asking.
Historically, this proverb comes from the days when pilgrims would journey from all corners of the world to reach Rome, the heart of Europe’s spiritual and political life. Without maps, smartphones, or even road signs, they had only one strategy: to keep asking for directions along the way. And it worked.
Even today, our journeys may be different, but the wisdom holds true. Whether it’s launching a new project, learning something new, or finding meaning in life, we rarely know the whole path from the start. That’s where questions come in.
I’ve come to believe that asking the right questions can change everything. In fact, if you read my previous blog post “It’s Not About the Answers — It’s About the Questions“, you already know how much I value them. I even collect questions — in notebooks, in apps, on sticky notes. Why? Because questions expand the way we think. They open possibilities. They create movement.
This belief has shaped my professional life as well. In the field of business analysis, asking thoughtful, strategic questions often determines the success of a project. Whether working with clients, developers, or stakeholders, the ability to clarify, uncover hidden needs, and anticipate challenges through the right questions can realign priorities and prevent major issues down the road.
The same is true in research. Asking good questions is the foundation of every meaningful study. It’s not just about collecting data or analyzing findings — it’s about designing the inquiry itself. The right question can open new paths of discovery, challenge assumptions, and ultimately lead to insight that matters.
And now, in this AI-driven world, the art of asking questions is more relevant than ever. The way we interact with AI tools — whether for writing, coding, planning, or learning — depends entirely on the clarity and intent behind our questions. Prompting an AI is, in a way, a new language. The better the question, the better the response. In this sense, knowing how to ask is becoming one of the most essential skills of our time.
Sometimes, the difference between feeling stuck and moving forward is simply asking:
“Can you help me?”
“What am I missing?”
“What’s the next small step?”
Asking is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of clarity. It shows humility, curiosity, and courage. It builds connection. It accelerates growth.
So the next time you feel lost — in a decision, a goal, or even in life — remember this:
Asking doesn’t slow you down. It gets you there.
And like the pilgrims of the past, by asking, you too will find your way to Rome.
Arabela Navarro 