The kid who asks the “dumb” question often saves a few people who were too scared to.

In most rooms the confusion is widely shared and silently held. One person asking puts the whole thing on the table, and the relief around them is usually visible, because everyone else was busy hoping somebody else would. The question was never dumb; it was just first.

Be first once this week, in the class where you understand the least. Keep it plain: name the part you lost and where. Afterwards, notice how many people thank you on the way out, and remember that the next time you are tempted to sit on a question.