Find the Real Question
Added 2026-10-31
Drill three levels down from the surface question to the one that changes decisions.
I am working on a question (described below). Do: 1) point out two assumptions possibly baked into how I framed it; 2) drill three levels down, writing each as "if A, I would do X; if B, I would do Y"; 3) identify the level whose answer would actually change what I do now; 4) tell me whether this question is worth answering right now. Do not answer it directly.
Site original
Chinese original
How to use
问题问对了，答案才省力。
Try tweaking it
- Ask what evidence would overturn the judgement.
- Have it argue both sides with three reasons each.
What you should get
- A decision table: assumptions, evidence, counter-evidence
- A next action with an observable signal
Common mistakes
- Asking only "should I?" and getting equally valid answers both ways.
- Never asking for counter-examples, so you only hear support.
How to check the output
- It states what evidence would overturn the conclusion.
- Both sides are argued, with assumptions marked as such.
Where it works
- Good for: splitting a decision into assumptions, evidence and counter-cases, leaving the call to you.
- Watch out: ask what evidence would overturn the judgement, or you will only hear supporting reasons.