Psychologists Off the Clock

428. How to Fall in Love with Questions with Elizabeth Weingarten

Oct 7, 2025
In this engaging conversation, journalist and applied behavioral scientist Elizabeth Weingarten shares insights from her book on embracing uncertainty. She introduces the intriguing concept of a 'question tree', categorizing inquiries that help us grow versus those that stifle us. Elizabeth discusses the importance of asking better, open-ended questions to navigate life's complexities and encourages listeners to find freedom in living with uncertainty. Her thoughts on community, curiosity, and authenticity provide a fresh perspective on truth-seeking.
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INSIGHT

Why Some Uncertainties Torment Us

  • Big life questions (meaning, love, purpose) feel aversive because they define who we are and are high-stakes.
  • Biology also biases us toward certainty because uncertainty requires more metabolic energy.
INSIGHT

The Question Tree Framework

  • We can categorize questions using a tree metaphor: quick-answer 'peach', slow 'pawpaw', lifelong 'heartwood', and useless 'dead leaves'.
  • Letting go of dead-leaf questions frees you from rumination and regret.
ADVICE

Avoid Quick Fix Answers

  • Avoid grabbing fast external answers when facing heartwood questions; examine whether you're asking the right question first.
  • Seek answers that become paths to better questions, not final destinations.
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