I want to know why about a whole lot of things.

Asking why is usually encouraged to get to the root of the problem, the core of what drives someone, or the reasons behind how we spend our time, among many other discoveries we can make by asking why.

It helps us understand the world around us.

Read Simon Sinek’s book, “Start With Why,” for a great explanation about the value of asking why.

There are some things I am curious about that I will likely never know the why behind. Some of those things are what I am sharing today. I am open to insight on these topics, if anyone wishes to weigh in.

Why…

… do some people spend their lives comparing themselves, their life, and their situation to others, instead of being happy and grateful for the good things they have? And, if they are unhappy with their own life, why don’t they do something about it?

… do some people play the victim and blame others or blame circumstances instead of taking responsibility and steps toward something better?

… is it that some people feel entitled to share their own opinion but cannot stand the thought of someone else sharing an opinion that is different than theirs? Why can’t some people even tolerate opinions and beliefs that are different than theirs, while expecting everyone else to tolerate and embrace their opinions?

… does a sense of entitlement even exist? Why do some people believe they deserve things they did not earn?

… do some people think they are better than everyone else?

… can some people only be nice to people who can get them what they want?

… do some people litter when there is almost always a trash receptacle nearby?

… do some people feel bad when they hurt someone, while others do not seem to care about anyone but themselves? Why do some people think it is OK to say whatever they want to anyone, no matter how hurtful, inappropriate, or untrue it is?

… aren’t more parents teaching their children about the value of hard work, kindness, and personal responsibility?

… does it seem like we are moving away from personal responsibility?

… is it difficult for so many people to admit they are wrong? Or admit they need help? Why is it difficult for so many to apologize? Or forgive?

… is it so hard for some people to be happy for others instead of jealous?

Maybe these questions take up more real estate in my brain lately because of the things happening in our world. Maybe I should not let them consume my thought energy.

But I genuinely want to know why.

Those are all questions about human behavior. Those are all things people can choose to do and think. Not everyone should be the same, but, in those examples, it seems that many would lead to a rather miserable life.

Maybe I am wrong. It would not be the first time I was wrong and most certainly would not be the last time.

However, I struggle to find the why behind those behaviors — the reason people choose those things instead of what seems to be a more positive, productive way of being.

Is it easier to choose negativity? Is it more rewarding? Is it the only way they know? Have they tried it and not found other ways of thinking and acting to be possible or helpful? Do they not know how to start down a different path? Is it peer pressure? Political pressure?

There are so many questions. I want answers. I want to know the why behind these things.

Oh, and one final why: I want to know why I cannot whistle.

Jackie Krawczak is president of Jackie Krawczak LLC. Her column runs every three weeks on Thursdays. Follow Jackie on Twitter @jkrawczak.