OT: Honest Wisdom

The Power of Not Knowing

There is wisdom in not knowing, and it is a wise person who can say, "I don't know." For no one knows everything. There are many types of wisdom - from intellectual to emotional to physical intelligence. Yet, even deemed experts in their fields do not know all there is to know about mathematics, yoga, literature, psychology, or art. It is a true master who professes ignorance, for only an empty vessel can be filled.

There are many things in life that we don't know, and there are many things we may have no interest in finding out. There is freedom in saying "I don’t know." When we admit that we don't know something, we can then open ourselves up to the opportunity to learn. And there is power in that. We can’t possibly know everything. And when we think we do, we limit ourselves from growing and learning more than what we already do know. A person who can admit to not knowing tends to be more intellectually and emotionally confident than someone who pretends to know everything. They also tend to be more comfortable with who they are and don’t feel the need to bluff or cover up any perceived ignorance. People can actually end up appearing more foolish when they act as if they know something that they don't.

We would be wise to respect people who freely admit when they don't know something. They are being honest, with us and with themselves. And we, too, should feel no shame in saying, "I don't know." In doing so, we open ourselves up to the unknown. We can then discover what lies beyond our current levels of understanding. It is the wise person in life that answers questions with a question and inspires the pursuit of internal answers with a funny face, a shrug, and a comical, "I don't know."

What do you think?

 LUV  IT.....   one of the better ones.  Thanks

Millie

Darlene,
This was an especially good one.

It seems that I say "I don't know" more often as the years add up. It used to bother me but not any more.

The older I get the more I find out that I do not know.   I am always open to learning.

hmmm, I don't know what to think! :)

Linda

Agree this is definitely "food" for thought.  I, too, am finding out over the years just how much I don't know.

Very interesting read, Darlene.  Thanks!

Kathi

My mama used to say that no body likes a know it all and she was right.  I sometimes tell my students I don't know but I'll find out or I don't know so you  find out and teach me.  The humility in not knowing or admitting we don't know is one of the major spiritual ( spiritual as in our mental spirit) growth motivators.  When I freely say that I don't know, I am letting every one know that I am comfortable...just like being comfortable in my new body. 

Good one.

Darlene, It's good to see you this morning. It's "freeing" to me to be able to admit that I "don't know" something. I used to try to have an answer for almost anything. I like to discuss things and like to "win." I find that when I don't have a "verbal battle" with someone that I usually get a much more interesting conversation. I have a hard time sitting still when I have something I want to say. I rudely insert my contribution. This is not something I am proud of and I try every day to "cool my jets" and wait until the person talking is finished. It is hard. . .

Thanks, Darlene... I have said *I don't know* many times and that has opened up a way to learn.  As usual, a great thought provoking post...

Shelia