12/30/09

'I Don't Know What That Is'

I have a friend who I have had the privilege of getting to know really well, as I've being working with him for the last 10 months.  

He's very laid back, and he rarely ever gets uptight about anything.  It's a quality that I find fascinating.  But the biggest thing that he's taught me (without him knowing I was learning) is the funny little phrase "I don't know what that is."

The way it is with most of us (if you don't feel comfortable with pointing fingers, I can just point at myself) is that when we (or rather I)  don't know something,  the last thing we want to do is admit it.   Like seriously, I absolutely hate it when someone else knows more about computers than I do.   Not because it's wrong for them to be better at it,  but because I hate having to admit that I don't know it as well.   We don't want to look stupid. So usually,  I'll nod in understanding and do my utmost to prove that I know everything about it through my posturing. Even when I don't have a clue what you're saying.

But my friend when he is talking to friends will freely admit that he has no clue what they are talking about.  And he will say so.  I know for me, it totally took me back.  But he wasn't ashamed that he didn't know it,  rather he just recognized it.  Making no apologies.  

Why do we (or I, if you're still uncomfortable)  always have to pretend that we (I) know everything?  Or if not everything, than most of everything?  Why do we pretend that if there was some knowledge we are missing, it's  just a bit,  and even at that, not very relevant?

I think we all need to learn to say "I don't know what that is."  Because that's way more mature.  We need to realize that knowledge isn't what makes us who we are.
Pasted by Anonymous at 01:27
The Fool : ,

3 comments:

  1. AnonymousDecember 30, 2009 at 12:52 PM

    I like this very much. Yes, very much.

    Profound.

    Yes.

    ... and that is all.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousDecember 30, 2009 at 12:55 PM

    Actually now that I think about it more... I learned how to fake it pretty well this semester... there's so much lingo with those stupid alternate meanings that go RIGHT over my head... I smile and nod as if I know what people are talking about.

    Then I go home and ask my mommy.

    Then I blush.

    And she laughs at me.

    But anyway. I like the way you're thinkin.

    ReplyDelete
  3. EDecember 30, 2009 at 3:40 PM

    I love that you have so much respect for this guy. It proves the point so well. I suppose the biggest reason we hesitate to admit ignorance is that we fear rejection from people....and yet your friend is neither rejected nor considered ignorant.

    Actually, his willingness to open up makes him more mature.

    Really powerful post.

    ReplyDelete

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