James Ryan’s speech presented five questions that he describes as essential in life:

Wait, What?: And Life’s Other Essential Questions

•  “Wait, what?”
•  “I wonder …,” often paired with “why” or “if.” Asking, “I wonder why,” is a way to remain curious about the world, while questions that begin, “I wonder if,” can generate ideas for improving it.
•  “Couldn’t we at least …” It’s part of a question that helps you get unstuck by allowing you to reach some consensus (“Couldn’t we at least agree that . . . ?”) or helping you get started (“Couldn’t we at least begin by . . . ?”).
•  “How I can help?” Ryan said the question offers humility while seeking direction when following our instinct to lend a helping hand. It’s at the base of good relationships.
•  “What truly matters?” The question forces one to get to the heart of an issue, and it’s worth asking regularly, and not just when facing life-changing decisions, Ryan said.More here: http://www.news.virginia.edu/content/president-elect-ryans-secret-formula-happiness-life-wait-what