When the Alter Rebbe was imprisoned, he was interrogated by a deputy-minister who was learned in Scripture and an authority on Jewish affairs.

One of the questions the official put to him concerned the plain meaning of the verse (Bereishis 3:9): "And G-d called to the man (Adam) and said to him, 'Where are you?'" The official asked, "Didn't G-d know where Adam was? Why did He have to inquire, 'Where are you?'"

The Alter Rebbe explained Rashi's interpretation of the verse. The official, however, said, "I am aware of Rashi's explanation. I would like to hear an explanation from the Rabbi!"

The Alter Rebbe replied: "When a person is, for example, so-and-so many years old (and here he mentioned the exact age of his interrogator), the A-lmighty asks him: 'Where are you? Are you aware of why you were created and put on this earth? Are you aware of what you are expected to do and how much you have already accomplished?'"

Likkutei Sichos, vol. 1, p. 73