Monday, January 05, 2009

The "Right Question"

I love the book by Isaac Asimov, i Robot. In the movie, there is a repeated pattern of interaction between Detective Spooner and the hologram of Dr Lanning. In the interactions, the detective can ask the hologram questions but many times the hologram responds, "I am sorry my responses are limited, you must ask the right question..." and when the detective asks the question that will lead him to the information he needs, the hologram answers, "That, Detective, is the right question." The hologram never gives the answer just tells him that he has asked the right question. So let me propose some thoughts with a recent report I saw on CNN and leave it up to you to ask the right question.

In 2008, the FOMC has been approved to spend 7.2 trillion dollars and spent 2.6 trillion dollars. Having spent 2.6 trillion dollars, how will this affect the economy?...I am sorry my responses are limited. How will the 2.6 trillion dollars spent affect the strength of the dollar?...I am sorry my responses are limited. How will the 2.6 trillion dollars spent affect the world economy?...I am sorry my responses are limited.

So faithful reader, what is the right question?


(feel free to post what you believe is the "right question" here and I will let you know detective(s) if that is the right question or not.)