We are living in an era where we are constantly pushed to showcase our expertise and flaunt our knowledge.
Titles and labels are thrown around like they are going out of fashion and it’s all about being the authority on whatever the topic of the day is. Think about it, from a young age, we are conditioned to be know-it-alls snd not knowing something can feel like the ultimate faux pas. It’s like, the pressure is on to have all the answers and if you don’t, you are somehow less than.
But here’s the thing – what if we just flipped the script and celebrated not knowing? What if we leaned into curiosity as well as exploration and let our passion for learning shine through? What if we rewrite the rules and make discovery our superpower!?
SEARCH FOR KNOWLEDGE
Remember entering that examination room whose air was thick with tension, where hopes and dreams were likely to live or die, so quiet you could even hear a fly pass, the one sound that was scary was the whisper of brain cells dying, with an occasional shuffle and ruffle of papers, an occasional cough or sneeze punctuating the peaceful environment and the writing on the board at intervals to signify how much time was left?
This was no time for pleasure or any disturbing behavior. Students sat hunched over their desks, their faces posed in determined expressions while the clock ticked away with agonising slowness. You were surrounded by classmates desperately trying to recall the difference between meiosis and mitosis with the terms suddenly seeming identical. Students were unleashing a torrent of knowledge or were just posing a blank stare at the pages recalling only what they had for breakfast. The weight of expectations was hanging precariously in the balance.
Were you going to emerge victorious or were the questions on the paper to reduce you to a pond of “I don’t knows”? Test for knowledge is the ultimate test of sanity.
Put together, the objective of the questions on the papers was to measure how much “do you know?” Your greatest worry was the examination results. Were you going to pass with flying colours or hoped for the best. Your main mission was to tell the world whether you know or you don’t or the extent to which your knowledge goes. After a month or two your name appeared or failed to appear in the list of passed students in the local community paper. Now the world would judge you as one of those who know or one of the blank starers.
So is the pursuit for knowledge. Inherent in being a human being is the constant need to search for knowledge.
ONLY KNOWLEDGE CAN FIX IGNORANCE
We are always wired to want to have the answers, to appear knowledgeable and it is easy to get caught up in pretending we know more than we do. Often, we are not even aware that we are doing it. It’s like our brains are on autopilot, spitting out responses without us really thinking about it.
Acknowledging the unknown is where real growth begins. When we admit ‘I don’t know,’ we open the door to curiosity, learning and wisdom. It is a bold admission, but it’s the foundation of a lifelong journey of discovery. By acknowledging our limitations, we free ourselves to explore, ask questions, and uncover new truths. The pursuit of knowledge is a journey, not a destination and it starts with the simple yet powerful phrase: ‘I don’t know.’.
With just that statement, you feel a load coming off your shoulders, for you have defeated one of the greatest shortcomings in the human species – a simple acknowledgement of our limitations to knowledge. Through this acknowledgement you are also telling yourself and the world that you know that it is your daily responsibility to add more wealth to the knowlege that you have. You are not too clever or knowledgeable – leave that for the audience to decide as yours is to add to what you have. Only knowledge can reduce your ignorance and that should be a daily pursuit.
KNOWLEDGE IS PROVISIONAL
Our understanding of the world is a dynamic and ever-evolving entity, shaped by a countless number of factors including our education, experiences and exposure to new information. It is essential to acknowledge that you always add to what you have because your knowledge is always incomplete and provisional. That means there is always room for growth, revision and refinement.
There Is Always Space For New Knowledge
The notion that we can never know everything is a humbling reality. Despite our best efforts to acquire knowledge, there will always be gaps in our understanding.
New discoveries can also challenge our existing beliefs. This inherent uncertainty can be unsettling, but it also presents an opportunity for exploration, innovation and progress.
Asking Questions And Questioning Are Twins We Need
In the pursuit to enhance knowledge we should not demean asking questions and questioning as they are important tools of creating quality.
Asking questions involves seeking information, clarification and knowledge in a neutral and open-ended way and it could allow you to get new insights, understand something better and learn from others. Asking questions shows a willingness to learn.
Questioning implies seeking knowledge but this time offering a more critical or analytical approach. It might involve examining or challenging assumptions, ideas and statements. In academic terms, one could argue that questioning is a way to test a hypotheses, evaluate evidence and probe deeper into a subject. In some contexts, questioning can also imply skepticism or doubt. Questioning, in all contexts, enhances the quality of the outcome.
So for me, enquiry through asking questions and questioning is crucial and necessary in the path to add value to the information that we have and the one that we still yearn to aquire. The education system plays a significant role in shaping our perspectives and it is crucial to recognise the biases that can arise from our training. So it won’t hurt to ask questions or question the knowledge before you. For instance, the simplistic notion that the sun rises from the east and sets in the west is a concept that is ingrained in us from a young age. However, as we delve deeper (whether by asking questions or questioning) into the subject, we come to realise that this is not an absolute truth. The Earth’s rotation is the actual cause of day and night and the sun’s apparent movement is merely a result of our planet’s spin. This is no different from what happens when you are moving in that car. When you look out of the window, it feels like the trees and houses are moving, but in reality, you are the one moving in the car. We feel like the sun is moving across the sky whilst we are the ones busy on a trip. This example highlights the importance of critical thinking and inquiry in education. By encouraging the audience to question assumptions and explore different perspectives, we can foster a deeper understanding of the world and its complexities.
CERTAINTY IS A PARADOX
Certainty can be comforting, but it can also stifle growth and understanding. When we are too certain, we risk becoming close-minded and missing out on valuable insights and perspectives. Embracing uncertainty and staying open to new ideas can lead to a more informed understanding of the world. It is a delicate balance between having confidence in our knowledge and being humble enough to consider alternative viewpoints.
Commitment To Dogma Is Counterproductive
The brutal truth is, our loyalty to our beliefs can be blinding because we may end up thinking that we know it all, but honestly, our understanding is often restricted to what our preconceived notions allow us to see.
Look at someone who strongly believes that a certain diet is the best for everyone. They might interpret any success story as proof, while dismissing contradictory evidence or alternative perspectives. Their commitment to their dietary dogma limits their understanding of other options together with their potential benefits. In essence, their preconceived notions sift what they consider “true” or “valid,” restricting their ability to see the full picture.
When we are certain about something, we discourage questions, questioning and exploring. The limited view that we have of the matter defines our reality, which unfortunately we would most times delude ourselves into thinking that everyone should.
Let Facts Speak For Themselves
If you are conducting a sincere investigation, you should be moving from nothing to something. This means that you are prioritising uncovering the truth over merely winning an argument. The opposite, which certainty encourages, is true if you generate evidence to support a predetermined diagnosis. So, certainty does not permit what linguists would present as ‘facts speaking for themselves’.
This approach can lead to what they call confirmation bias.
Confirmation bias can lead to a skewed perspective, where we selectively focus on information that supports our existing views and dismiss or downplay contradictory evidence. Recognising and actively working to overcome confirmation bias is crucial for forming well-rounded opinions and making informed decisions.
AFRICA IS CALLING
In Africa, embracing the concept of ‘I don’t know’ can be a powerful catalyst for growth, innovation and progress. Africa is calling for us to value one another and create our own solutions to our problems.
By acknowledging the limits of our knowledge, we can tap into the collective wisdom of our communities, foster collaboration and develop context-specific solutions to complex challenges. This mindset allows us to approach problems with humility and openness, seeking knowledge and expertise from others and learning from successes and failures.
As Africa continues to evolve, this approach can help us navigate the complexities of development, technological advancements and global interconnectedness. Furthermore, by promoting cooperation between regions and countries within the continent, we can leverage our diverse strengths, share knowledge snd accelerate progress towards common goals.
Africa has a wealth of skills and knowledge that are often overlooked or underappreciated. By not fully recognising and valuing these skills, we might be missing out on opportunities for growth and collaboration. Listening to one another will allow us to embrace diverse perspectives that we possess, bridge gaps and foster greater understanding and appreciation.
By embracing ‘I don’t know,’ Africa can shift from being victims of circumstance to architects of the continent’s own destiny. It’s about recognising the knowledge gaps, seeking solutions and empowering local communities to drive growth. In this lies the potential to unlock Africa’s true potential and forge a path that is uniquely the continent’s own.
By recognising and valuing Africa’s strengths, the continent can unlock Africa’s full potential, drive innovation and develop context-specific solutions to the continent’s unique challenges.
It’s striking to consider that in today’s interconnected world, we often overlook the expertise right next door or even within our own borders. Why import skills and expertise from outside the continent when they exist within our countries or neighboring countries? By tapping into our own human capital and fostering intra-African collaboration, we can build more sustainable solutions, reduce dependency on external aid and unlock the full potential of our continent. Africa has the solutions but our problem is that when we admit to a challenge we refuse to source knowledge and relevant skill from our own people or our own neighbouring countries. If, as an African, you accept the principle of ‘I don’t know ‘ but your first consideration for assistance negates the capacity within the continent, then you are postponing true freedom for Africans nationally, continentally and internationally.
Not knowing is not a curse. Your neighbour knowing what you don’t know should not signify a decline in your value but an opportunity for your neighbour to counsel you. Through a collaborative approach, we can unlock new opportunities, drive innovation and create a brighter future for ourselves and future generations, ultimately realising the African Union’s vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.
LET US BE INTELLECTUALLY HUMBLE
As we surrender to the vastness of our unknown, we should unlock the gates to infinite possibility. By embracing the beauty of ‘I don’t know,’ we become vessels for new ideas, catalysts for growth and architects of our own evolution. In this boundless landscape of learning, we transcend limitations, expand our consciousness and unleash the full potential of our humanity. This mindset allows us to learn from others, challenge our own assumptions and expand our understanding of the world. It’s a process of continuous learning and self-improvement.
Let Us Welcome Enquiry
Intellectual humility is a valuable trait that allows us to approach complex issues with an open mind, seeking feedback and considering diverse perspectives. By asking questions and embracing uncertainty, we can gain a deeper understanding of the issues, build stronger relationships and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. It’s a powerful approach that can lead to personal and collective growth.
Acknowledging our knowledge gaps, we can fearlessly ask questions of ourselves and others who might know. If the answer lies in a book, we can track it down and read it. We might not know where to start or what terms to use, but we can be motivated to uncover the information that will help us grow.
Ours is to be honest and deal with our biases. We should approach discussions with an open mind, accept that it’s okay to not have all the answers and accept that we are human. Our knowledge tank does deserve patience.
Listen
This is very key. Effective listening requires that we put focus and concentrate. Hearing is one thing, but listening – that’s where the magic happens. Listen requires being fully present, absorbing the message and understanding the underlying emotions and context. It’s an art that can transform relationships and foster connections.
We should not feel undermined if our view is challenged. Let us listen to one another and if we do that properly our decision making tool will help advise us whether to adjust or stay the same. In the exchange of thoughts and experiences, we will discover new insights and understanding that strengthen our current thoughts or encourage us to improve. All we need to do is Listen.
When dissenting voices challenge our views, they can become our greatest mentors. Listening to opposing perspectives can be uncomfortable, but it’s often in those moments that we tend to discover new ideas, refine our thinking and emerge unstoppable. By embracing criticism and diverse viewpoints, we are able to foster growth, deepen our understanding and develop a more balanced approach to life.
By embracing questions and sharing knowledge, we can break down barriers and foster a culture of openness and collaboration. When we encourage curiosity and clarify doubts, we empower others to learn and grow. It’s a beautiful way to build stronger, more supportive communities where knowledge is shared and everyone can thrive.
Knowledge Breeds Wisdom
Embracing the concept of ‘I don’t know” is a powerful mindset shift. It allows us to approach life with humility, curiosity and an openness to learning. As we grow and acquire knowledge, we become increasingly aware of the vastness of our own ignorance. This paradox of learning is beautifully captured in Socrates’ wisdom: “The unexamined life is not worth living. I know that I know nothing and that knowledge is the beginning of wisdom.” By acknowledging the limits of our knowledge, we can embark on a journey of continuous discovery, refinement and growth. It’s an approach that can lead to greater wisdom, empathy and understanding.