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Plenty of topics and things could be used as good conversation starters. Take, for instance, basic get-to-know-you questions. These babies are as universal as they can get!
Then, of course, a conversation might start with your cowboy boots worn to a UN assembly or something. And although the last one seems like a fun idea, we know an even better one - thought-provoking questions! Not to be confused with provocative questions, though. So, if you’re looking for some interesting questions to ask your S.O., your friends, your granny, or anyone, really, you’ve come to the exact right place. Yup, this is our list of thought-provoking questions, and with them, you’ll never run out of things to discuss!
Yeah, we know that it is sometimes hard to keep a conversation going, especially if you find yourself digging through your cranium, which suddenly seems as empty as a decorative vase placed in your granny’s cupboard for god knows how long. And since we know the situation painfully well, we’ve gathered these smart questions to ask in one place, so neither of us will have to endure the embarrassment, not once again.
Also, if a more dreaded situation occurs, one where it is expected from you to provide some comedic relief, there are also some pretty funny thought-provoking questions here, too. This way, you can provide those lusted-for ha-ha’s and start a conversation. Win-win!
So, ready to check out our list of meaningful questions suitable for any occasion? Let’s get going, then! The questions are just a bit further down, and once you read them all, give your vote to the ones you’d like to answer the most. After that’s all done, share this article with your friends!
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#1
Thought-Provoking Questions About Life, Purpose, And Meaning
Do you have a voice inside your head?
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#3
Which is worse, failing or never trying?
#5
If you could travel back in time, what would you change?
$cagsy 3 years ago
The paradox is that right now, you are aware of the actions of someone like Hitler. So if you go back in time and murder him before he commits his atrocities, so far so good, Hitler is dead and therefore no Holocaust. Great, right? Wrong. In order to go back in time and kill him, you first had to know about him. If you prevent the atrocities by killing him, there is no way that future-you would know or care about one A. Hitler, murdered in the 1930s. So you would pick something else to change in the past. But that can't happen, because you MUST kill Hitler so he DOESN'T commit the atrocities that YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT. Simple.
#7
If the average human lifespan was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
#9
According to you, what are the three main disadvantages of the modern world we live in?
#10
What job would you never accept (regardless of the salary)?
#11
Would you break the law to save a loved one?
#13
Does social media have a positive or negative impact on you?
#14
Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?
#15
Thought-Provoking Questions To Spark Deep Conversations
Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?
#16
Do you think in pictures?
Panda Panda Panda 3 years ago
depends. if I'm just thinking usually not. If I'm trying to remember something then yes, I think in pictures
#20
Where do you find peace?
#21
What is the one thing that you do today but you couldn’t do two years ago?
#22
Do you think conflict is a bad thing?
joyous 3 years ago
Conflict is inevitable to, and ubiquitous in the human condition. It is the tension which allows us to exist, to persevere, to survive. Humans thrive on conflict whether it is human against themself, human against other humans, or human against nature. Conflict is necessary. There would be no heroes without conflict. Without conflict we would be blobs of indecisive goo in a lukewarm ocean of mediocrity.
#23
Would you rather choose to be in an asylum or prison?
sofacushionfort 3 years ago
There are nicer “club fed” prisons, but some rehab centers are like luxury resorts
#24
What hard truths do you prefer to ignore?
#25
Have you ever regretted something you did not say or do?
#26
Why must you love someone enough to let them go?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
For me, it was a "gotta be cruel to be kind" thing. Ed wasn't telling his family about his orientation, even though they'd made it clear they all loved his uncle who's gay, he wasn't telling them about his suicidal ideations, and he was constantly lying to himself about not needing a therapist. I was supposed to be the girlfriend, not the therapist, and until he didn't have me, he would never understand. I think there's still some resentment there, but he's on meds now, open entirely with his family, and is working under his dad, who understands what he needs and will give him that, but also encourage him to be his best person. If I'd stuck it out, we would both still be miserable.
#27
Do you exist before you were born?
Cat Chat 3 years ago
Really, the answer to that is dependant on ones own belief system. It can differ, too, if one is asking about biological existence, or if referring to ones soul/spirit/what-have-you. Even the same person can answer differently if they have a religious/spiritual believe and they choose to answer based on that belief, or their scientific knowledge.
#28
If actions speak louder than words, is speaking an action?
joyous 3 years ago
Yes. Since 'speak' is a verb, and a verb is an action word it follows that speaking is an action. On the other hand 'action' is a noun rather than a verb although the definition of this noun is 'doing something' and 'do' is a verb. Theoretically the phrase might be flipped to "Words speak louder than actions" but what fun would that be?
#29
Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why?
#30
If you had a friend who spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow this person to be your friend?
#31
Personal Growth Through Thought-Provoking Questions
When you are 80-years-old, what will matter to you the most?
#32
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
#34
What small act of kindness were you once shown that you will never forget?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
This one makes me cry every time. I was hanging out with my friend, asked if I could spend the night, was told no for no reason, then was given five minutes to get back to the house before I'd get in trouble. I was trying to hold back the resentment and anger, and my friend's mom just put her hand on my shoulder. Around 13 years old, and that was the first sign I'd ever gotten of motherly affection. I cried right at that point. It was the first time someone had ever looked past my immediately emotions to the pain I was in and acted upon it. And it'll probably be the only time it ever happens...
#35
Would you rather lose all of your old memories or never be able to make new ones?
Do-nut touch da donut 3 years ago
This is hard... my personality comes from my old ones sooooo uhhhmmmm... aaaaaaaaa
#37
When was the last time you had a brilliant idea that you couldn’t stop thinking about?
#40
If you could receive a million dollars under the condition that one stranger becomes poor, would you accept it?
#41
What would be the best remedy for healing the entire world?
#42
When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?
Sarcastic_Queen/Ace_King 3 years ago
it means once everything has been said and everything has been done , what did you do more of? did you say things and not act on it, did you act on your words etc etc
#43
Would you want to remember every detail of your life? Why or why not?
#45
If you could ask one person, alive or dead, only one question, who would you ask and what would you ask?
Headless Roach 3 years ago
It would be a random person and the question would be whazaaaaa?. I'll see myself out.
#46
Why do you matter?
#49
What are your favorite simple pleasures?
#51
What are the three most important things on your bucket list?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
Make sure my cats have loving homes to go to once I die, go cage diving with great whites and feed them already processed chickens, and act as a dead person in something.
#52
Emotionally Charged Thought-Provoking Questions That Dig Deeper
What is your most improved character trait?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
Not being clingy. Doesn't mean I'm independent, but being able to be alone and not be lonely is valuable.
#53
What activity makes you feel happiest?
#54
If you had a chance to change the world, how would you do it?
Headless Roach 3 years ago (edited)
It would be nice to have Australia much closer to Europe 🐨
#55
What’s the most sensible thing you’ve ever heard someone say?
#56
Do you ask enough questions or do you settle for what you know?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
I had to get out of the whole "they don't want to hear your questions" thing cuz not everyone are my parents. So I do ask questions.
#59
If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?
#61
What is the difference between falling in love and being in love?
#62
What do you love most about yourself?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
Funny to see no one else has answered this. For me, it's my moments when I enjoy tiny details of life.
#64
If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
#65
What does it mean to allow another person to truly love you?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
To allow them? Then that means to let them help me and me not instantly get anxious about what they say.
#67
What are the primary components of a happy life?
#69
Imagine that your pet could talk. What do you think it would say to you?
#70
If you were arrested, what would your family and friends think you had done?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
Stolen someone's cats after finding them in a bad place and battery for pinching the person in the face when I found them abusing the animals
#72
Thought-Provoking Questions That Go Beyond Small Talk
What is the most life-changing decision you’ve ever made?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
Not making them. Mistake or success, at least I would have done something.
#74
When you meet someone for the first time, what is the first thing you notice about them?
#75
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
#76
What are the things you’re most grateful for?
#77
If you could do anything you wanted right now, what would you do?
#78
When was the last time you tried something new?
#80
If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30 year old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?
#82
Have you done anything lately worth remembering?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
Rescued a kitten and his little sister. His sister ran away but she visits.
#83
Which activities make you lose track of time?
#84
When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards and just do what you know is right?
#85
What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
My breakfast prep. I p**s someone I know off every time she sees me prep my regular pancakes with sunnyside up eggs and hash browns/grits
#86
Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
#88
Is there such a thing as evil people? What makes them evil?
Headless Roach 3 years ago
Evil people say Ukraine needs to be rescued from nazism. That enough?
#89
If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
#90
What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?
#91
Why do we think of others the most when they’re gone?
#92
Who do you think stands between you and happiness?
#93
Can there be happiness without sadness? Pleasure without pain? Peace without war?
#94
Is there such a thing as perfect?
#95
Do you believe in reincarnation?
K W 3 years ago
I believe in the possibility. I have met people who could describe their former life and house location and details with no way of knowing those. When the parents took them it was as they said. However the people who are convinced they were Cleopatra or who run around telling everyone they feel a slight connection with that they were priestesses in the temple together are a little sus. I think that's more like the subconcious interpreting things in an archetypal way than actual memories.
#96
What are three moral rules you will never break?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
Do not kill on purpose without reason, do not steal from those unable to afford it, and past that, I'm not sure
#97
When you help someone do you ever think, “What’s in it for me?”
#98
How do you define success?
#99
Is there ever a time when giving up makes sense?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
When you've wasted more than you've gotten and you know it'll only get worse.
#100
If you could take a single photograph of your life, what would it look like?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
Black, but you'd hear lots of giggling and screaming when you look at it.
#101
Creative And Unusual Thought-Provoking Questions To Inspire New Ideas
Is honesty always the best policy?
#102
What is the easiest way to catch your attention?
#103
Do you see crying as a sign of weakness or strength?
#104
Are you grateful for everything you have?
#105
What are two life lessons you learned the hard way?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
Don't pay to be in a job, and no one will ever tell you what's bugging them about you until they just blow up in your face about it.
#106
What are the three main ingredients that make a perfect relationship?
#108
Do you think emotional affairs and texting are more harmful than physical affairs?
#109
What makes your life worth living?
#110
What is your vision of utopia (in this instance, a perfect society)?
#111
What are the things that you do for the sake of becoming your best self?
#112
Have you ever been a victim of stereotyping?
#115
What are the things you like to daydream about?
#116
What makes you feel appreciated and loved?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
When someone asks how I'm doing and understands when I say "I'm tired" knows it's so much more than that and actually wants to hear what's going on.
#117
What gets you excited about life?
#118
If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
What people have said about me behind my back. Not if they do, everyone does. But what has been said.
#119
What is the difference between living and existing?
#120
What do you value most in a friendship?
#121
If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago
I'd just go volunteer at SPCA all the time. If I only had a year, everyone would quit trying to use me for things they wanna do
#122
What does your joy look like today?
Alana Voeks 3 years ago (edited)
Cats not throwing up and I get the house to myself for at least an hour
#123
Would you rather have less work or more work you actually enjoy doing?
#124
Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
#125
Introspective And Reflective Thought-Provoking Questions
Does someone’s name influence who they become?
#130
Do you believe in aliens?
#133
How many of your friends would you trust with your life?
#134
If today was the last day of your life, who would you call and what would you tell them?
#135
How would the world be different if you were never born?
#136
Do you feel respected and appreciated by me?
#138
According to you, what is the most important event in the history of the human race?
#139
What do you think is keeping you from experiencing complete happiness?
#140
Do we judge and gossip about other people for the sake of feeling better about ourself?
#143
What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?
#144
When was the last time you listened to the sound of your own breathing?
#146
What is your most beloved childhood memory?
#147
To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
#150
What is your favorite song and why?
#151
Does your zodiac sign have any real influence in your life?
#153
What is something trending now but will probably be considered stupid a few years from now?
#154
When you’re feeling ill, do you have a tendency to go online and diagnose your symptoms?
#155
What is the worst name you could give your son or daughter?
#156
Have you ever sent a text message to the wrong recipient?
#157
What are the top three things you like about me?
#161
How do you imagine your life in the future?
#162
If you could invite anyone in the world to dinner, who would it be?
#164
What do you wish you spent more time doing five years ago?
#167
Timeless Thought-Provoking Questions With No Easy Answers
What roles do love and affection play in your life?
#168
Are you holding onto something that you need to let go of?
#169
How close and warm is your family? Do you feel your childhood was happier than most other people’s?
#170
Can you describe your life in a six word sentence?
#171
Are people born good, or do we learn moral virtue?
#172
If it all came back around to you, would it help you or hurt you?
#173
What do you have that you cannot live without?
#174
How would you describe ‘freedom’ in your own words?
#177
Do you feel uncomfortable talking to me about anything?
#178
What three words best describe you?
#179
Who is your favorite cartoon character and why?
#181
If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?
#183
What do we all have in common besides our genes that makes us human?
#184
Do you believe in fifth-dimensional beings and reality?
#185
If you could live the next 24 hours and then erase it and start over just once, what would you do?
#186
What’s the difference between settling for things and accepting the way things are?
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