Yep and those asking the smart questions and strategically only the smart questions do get higher social points and promotions and raises.

One of the many reasons I couldn't square being an authentic human and being in corporate and left to do my own thing.

Sure but there are also stupid questions that waste the groups time. They are common in university lectures.

Some people, like maybe 2%, seem to have a urge that when the lecturer asks for questions, someone has to ask one to not make the lecturer sad.

As someone who has been censured for recommending the word "imbecility" to describe a healthful state of mind that we should all embrace:

I think a HN-friendly way to reword such advice is:

  Don't shy away from poking at your own confusion, because sometimes you get to poke others as a bonus

Overexplaining things you don't have a good grasp on is not the best idea idea out there. Asking questions can help piecing together some understanding which when when communicated and has some kind of feedback, does have a good effect on further learning. I used the word communicated instead of overexplaining which I find a bit overbearing. Overexplaining... If the point gets across the first time why repeat it ad nauseum?

Don't alienate! Educate!