No, You Don’t Know!

I know a man who responds to almost every statement with, “I know!”  It doesn’t matter if the subject is something totally unfamiliar to him, he still says, “I know!”  He knows (or so he says) about the upturn in the stock market, about the downturn in the publishing industry, and even why eggs are selling for twenty-nine cents a dozen.  I suspect that he spouts off as a reflexive compulsion so that he doesn’t seem like a dummy.

Most of us like to appear smart, maybe even smarter than we are.  We certainly don’t want to say something stupid.  This is especially true when the conversation veers into a range of topics that we are supposed to know something about.  From time to time, we even express an opinion that carries us past our solid knowledge.   That’s when we look around for a friendly face to back us up.

When you say, “I know,” you cut off the flow of knowledge into your brain.  There are thousands upon thousands of facts, circumstances and situations that would enhance, enrich and benefit you if you would only shut up and listen.  Your rush to appear intelligent confirms your stupidity.

When you say, “I know,” you make the other person feel unnecessary.  One of the incentives for good conversation is the opportunity to share one’s knowledge about his or her world.  Even if you really DO know something, wise interaction with others suggests that you keep quiet and allow them to talk about something they know about.  Constantly saying “I know,” makes them back off and go somewhere that they feel appreciated.    

When you say, “I know,” you ruin your ability to ask questions.  Terms need definition, nuances need exploration, people need identification and concepts need explanation.  A know-it-all forfeits the chance to learn more because the perception of appearing bright is more important than real knowledge.

When you say, “I know,” you deepen and prolong your ignorance.  I heard it said of someone, “He’s ignorant and proud of it!”  Let’s face it.  Automatically saying that you know something, probably means you don’t.  Your insouciant attitude about new knowledge guarantees that you will continue in your ignorance.  Critical information and salient advice will never enlighten your darkness.

When you say, “I know,” you operate as a fraud.  You know in your heart that you’re just blowing smoke.  Insightful people will soon figure out that you are superficial and won’t carry on meaningful conversations with you.  Even worse, sooner or later, your deception will backfire.  You will become a victim of your own scamming.

When you say, “I know,” people secretly laugh at you.  They probably know that you don’t know, and they lose whatever respect they may have had for you.  Sadly, your attempt to appear smart becomes the reason others think you’re dumb. 

If you don’t know something, admit it.  Let the other person be smart and tell you what you don’t know.  Ask questions.  Receive knowledge.  Praise others for their insight.  The smartest people I know challenge me with questions that force me to be certain of my facts.  Their voracious appetite for knowledge reveals their innate intelligence.