Previously we had discussed what is knowledge and what knowledge one ought to know
In part two we discussed our own lack of knowledge and this part 3 we will be discussing how to deal with other's lack of knowledge.
Knowledge - The Lounge - allkpop forums
Knowledge (Part 2) - The Lounge - allkpop forums
If we can first admit that we do not know everything then wouldn't we also do that for others by first considering that they might not know everything?
Just as our first step is to determine the extent of our knowledge shouldn't we also do that for other people? Instead of jumping on people and assuming they know everything (or nothing) shouldn't it be beholden upon us to determine whether someone actually knows something or not? and if it turns out that they don't know something should we not try educate them? this way they too can increase their knowledge and by contiguously engaging in discussion one might realise that what we initially believed to be true might not be (or rather might not be 100%) thus all parties benefit from said discussion.
How to actually engage with others is a difficult task - because one doesn't want to come off as condensing or offensive, others may feel like its an attack on themselves because you have just questioned their knowledge and their beliefs. It is a delicate process that requires one to truly feel the need to engage positively and constructively. And again that process begins with us of how we act to others perceived lack of knowledge will determine how others act towards us (Golden Rule - do unto others as you would have others unto to you). If others sense hostility, aggressiveness, opposition in our words then they will become so themselves leading to a breakdown in communication. Our choice of words matter but also the intent behind them, it is so much easier to state your wrong here's the answer instead of asking open-ended questions and thinking about the answers. If we cannot bring that attitude to the table then why would we expect others to do the same. It can be a frustrating task that you truly cannot understand the words coming out of another person and honestly believe that they are dumber than a mule so it is up to us look beyond the mere words to better understand where another person is coming from.
What if others do not wish to engage then why force it? if another person actively declares that they are not interested then there is very little room for further discussion. One cannot have a discussion by oneself so there is no need to press the matter. Sometimes it is better to retreat to fight another day.
Even if we determine someone is 100% wrong who are we to judge another for their lack of knowledge - I've already pointed out the various factors that make up our lack of knowledge in part 1 so why then do we judge purely based on the "lack of knowledge" and not focus on the underlying factors which have caused that person to have the lack of knowledge. As children we learned to share, at lunch you would share your 1/2 of your PB&J for 1/2 of their chocolate sandwich thus allowing both parties to enjoy the benefits - why then when we turn into adults does the same not apply in respect of knowledge - if we know something, they know something - by sharing our knowledge we are both wiser for it.
There are so many other things that I could have discussed but maybe for another day but I'll leave with this Sun Tzu said know thyself, know they enemy, 1000 battles, 1000 victories.
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT? I won't read that.
