There is no such thing as a stupid question is an aphorism that we willingly accept as accurate with little examination. But how truthful of a maxim is it really? I would argue that the following are all examples of questions that could be considered stupid, thus rendering the adage suspect at best.
Is dark chocolate better than white chocolate?
This is a stupid question because everyone knows that dark chocolate is the finest of all chocolates while white chocolate is the spawn of Satan (I have been scolded in the past for equating white chocolate to Lucifer. Fair enough. If I could find something even more evil to compare it to, I would.)
Should I go to the concert or stay at home?
This is a stupid question because everyone knows that if you have an opportunity to go see live music you should do it. Even when it’s bad, it’s good. I go to a fair number of concerts and have never been disappointed that I decided to go out instead of staying home and watching reruns of COPS. A few years ago, I went to see Parquet Courts the night before CMEpalooza. That was perhaps not the smartest decision I’ve ever made, but I was not disappointed that I went (just very, very, very tired the next day).
Is the book better than the movie?
This is a stupid question because everyone knows that the book is always better than the movie. I can’t think of an example where that is not the case. OK, I can think of one: The Godfather. But that’s it. Maybe Game of Thrones, but only because those books are so dang long. Wait, Game of Thrones was a TV show, so it doesn’t count. Never mind, back to just The Godfather. (note from Scott: My favorite author ever wrote The Princess Bride. The movie is better. I also can’t imagine that The Shawshank Redemption was better as a short story. But now I’m ruining Derek’s premise. You know what? Tough noogies).
Is there anything cooler than this picture of Frank Sinatra stepping out of a helicopter with a glass of whiskey in his hand?
This is a stupid question because everyone knows there is nothing cooler than this picture of Frank Sinatra stepping out of a helicopter with a glass of whiskey in his hand.
Should I watch CMEpalooza Fall on Wednesday, October 18?
This is a stupid question because everyone knows that of course you should watch CMEpalooza Fall on Wednesday, October 18, for two reasons: 1. That is the day of CMEpalooza Fall; 2. Where else can you learn more about organic partnerships, translating complex data, generative AI, myths and misconceptions about CME, exploring new approaches to everyday challenges, case conundrums in CME, improving the healthcare experience for the LGBTQ+ community, and establishing alliances between healthcare providers and barbershops, all for free? Nowhere, I tell you. Nowhere.
If there is one area where there really is no such thing as a stupid question, it is the world of utilizing AI in the CME/CE workplace. There are no stupid questions because everyone knows that no one knows much of anything about genAI, though we have a panel of three who know more about what no one knows than most know. To help them know what you don’t know, we’re soliciting your questions about genAI. We will close down the form on September 1, so get your questions in now!
CMEPALOOZA 