Great article. Question: at what point can we be reasonably sure we DO know what we arE talking about? I mean, this article really makes me question my own knowledge, or lack there of. As always, I love your writing.
At Facebook a reader wrote this about my essay: "Humility must be among the most beautiful of virtues and pride, among the most pernicious."
By asking your question, you are exhibiting the humility that will stop you from overreaching.
"Our ignorance is sobering and boundless,” philosopher Karl Popper famously observed. This truth though should not stop us from sharing what we know and understand. As long as we respect others and continue to learn, we will be fine.
Wonderful, wonderful article. Thank you. One of your very best (in my view).
You describe the trap, despite my best attempts, that I unwittingly fall into day after day.
Question for you: Can any of us (and I mean any) open our mouth to speak, hit the keys to type, without intentionally or unintentionally trying to convince others that we know 'the truth' of the matter?
I could answer your question many ways. Tonight I will say this, we need to be more aware of our need to be right in order to confirm our self-concept. The more we can subtract the need to be right, the more undefended we can be. From that space we can speak or not speak, write or not write, without a need for a specific outcome.
So I agree with you, often (mostly) we try to be right. But a little willingness to shift our purpose goes a long way.
Professor B
Great article. Question: at what point can we be reasonably sure we DO know what we arE talking about? I mean, this article really makes me question my own knowledge, or lack there of. As always, I love your writing.
Best Regards, Mike
Thanks for the kind words, Mike.
At Facebook a reader wrote this about my essay: "Humility must be among the most beautiful of virtues and pride, among the most pernicious."
By asking your question, you are exhibiting the humility that will stop you from overreaching.
"Our ignorance is sobering and boundless,” philosopher Karl Popper famously observed. This truth though should not stop us from sharing what we know and understand. As long as we respect others and continue to learn, we will be fine.
Hello Barry
Wonderful, wonderful article. Thank you. One of your very best (in my view).
You describe the trap, despite my best attempts, that I unwittingly fall into day after day.
Question for you: Can any of us (and I mean any) open our mouth to speak, hit the keys to type, without intentionally or unintentionally trying to convince others that we know 'the truth' of the matter?
Warmly ... John
You are very kind, John. Thank you.
I could answer your question many ways. Tonight I will say this, we need to be more aware of our need to be right in order to confirm our self-concept. The more we can subtract the need to be right, the more undefended we can be. From that space we can speak or not speak, write or not write, without a need for a specific outcome.
So I agree with you, often (mostly) we try to be right. But a little willingness to shift our purpose goes a long way.
I have to agree with John, Barry. This article, and your response to John's question, are just exquisite thinking.
I appreciate your warm thoughts, Lyn. Thank you!