How to Vs why: How NOT to

I'm a user of Ubuntu Linux, which I wrote about a while ago. So, its common for me to use "How to ..........." and the dots replaced by whatever I want to do with linux, and thanks to google, I often have a good response on how to do something.

Thats good, I think, If you are a mechanical engineer who is just lost in Linux for the most part, but what about the same question in our day to day life.

I stopped to notice this pattern a while ago. I noticed how many of my decisions and many things that I do may be influenced by this logic.

Its pretty normal perhaps, its a process we are used to for the most part in our schooling, in learning a language, a trade or anything for that matter. Coaching and teaching for the most part has remained how to. Although the presentation might not be so in your face in a number of subject, you would realise it is so.. Especially considering that we are treated to a number of examples, in solving math for one. What about learning language, often times we are just following a pattern which is shown to us, and that is "HOW TO", and that's how we "learn" how to.

Before we jump into the question about "Whats wrong with that?" Its worthwhile trying to think of another form of thought.

WHY?

Its a question we often never care to ask, though we should. One has never stopped to ask why, and one would probably be better off, had one the prudence.

Because, if one never asks why: one shall but repeat the few "How to's" with increased efficiencies, perhaps, but repeat nonetheless/
Because, if one never asks why: one might never know, why.

Again, whats wrong with that. If I know my objective and I know "How to", I efficiently achieve what I want, reach where I want to be etc etc.

There's just one small difference, have you seen a dog learn tricks? It gets commanded to sit, pushed down to sit, the command and push are repeated and for every time the dog obeys, it gets treated. As far as the dog's objective is concerned: to be treated, it is achieved. But, the dog never bothers why.

It doesn't have to, its an animal, I'm sorry if you love your dog too much, I request that you please focus on the content and not take it personally. Returning to the subject at hand: This urge of why has been bothering me more and more, and I have consciously tried to avoid "HOW TO". AND, AND........ Its been extremely difficult existance. Imagine, asking yourself why at every step and dwelling on that question. Wondering wondering, why am I waking up, why am I sleepy, why am I doing this or that?

I know it sounds silly, but I like to know, because that way, I believe in it and work to make the most out of it. In other words, do it with soul.

There's been a backlash too, if you will, that I have come up with answers to my why question that show that some of the actions that occur in my present are in fact a result of how to, based on a situation to reach or a goal to achieve and never asked for, why that goal, why not something else.

But, I think I'm on the first step right now, to first understand why, not judge and be happy or sad about it. Notice and acknowledge the fact. So that way, decisions and efforts that are taken from now onwards have a good reason why, and the how to? Well, thats for me to decide right, not for someone else to tell me.

OOH, one more things.. I realised I might not want to key in my daily/weekly/monthly updates here, I'm going to be using Rednotebook(journal s/w) for that.