“The Greatest Enemy of Knowledge Is Not Ignorance, But the Illusion of Knowledge”

“The Greatest Enemy of Knowledge Is Not Ignorance, But the Illusion of Knowledge”

“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, but the illusion of knowledge” This illusion of knowledge often comes from a little knowledge internally extrapolated to a belief of sufficient or even complete knowledge.

When we refer to a dictionary to understand the meaning of a word, there is almost always a sentence which uses the word to show the context. This is because while we can describe the word, it is only in its proper context where we can get the true meaning of it. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean we can then use that word correctly in our writing or speaking. It takes practice, repeated use and in most cases, a coach (parent or teacher) to get us to be able to use words properly, consistently.

At a certain point in our life we stop being curious. We are told as kids that curiosity killed the cat and are subsequently paralysed by our inability to ask questions.

Maybe we are afraid of looking stupid. Maybe our parents and teachers made us shy about asking too much when we were children. Or maybe we just do not know what questions to ask.

The simple law of cause and effect dictates that if you don’t ask you don’t get. Knowledge cannot be decanted into a mind that isn’t curious or interested. So it pays to build your curiosity muscle and develop the skill of asking questions.

Otherwise you run the risk of being forever fed a diet of illusory knowledge that doesn’t serve your dreams and goals.

Very well said by “Albert Einstein” Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning the beginning of spiritually. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins. The great Breakthrough in your life comes when you realise it that you can learn anything you need to learn to accomplish any goal that you set for yourself. This means there are no limits on what you can be, have or do. "I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."

If we want a specific culture in our organisation, it is not enough to just write down a description of that culture and expect those in the organisation to read it & be able to create that culture. Likewise, if we want people to think a certain way, we cannot simply write down a description of those thoughts. Changing the internal workings of the brain, or of an organisation (in reference to culture) is not something that can be simply written down in instructions, followed by anyone else with the expectation of successful transformation. If it were that easy, there wouldn’t be very many corrosive cultures left out there. Even if we provide context, it is impossible for an example or even a plethora of examples to sufficiently cover all possible variants & situations.

When we standardise processes & document that standard we are often taking what was once tacit knowledge, codifying it & making it explicit. This scares some people of course, they lose the power held by having knowledge that others don’t. But it is in the best interests of everyone, assuming the organisation is committed to development & growth, and not merely cost cutting. If it is a process, that can be observed, it will usually be complete knowledge, sufficient to provide more than just the illusion of knowledge.

Sometimes the ego can trick us into believing we are experts in a subject when we have developed an awareness of only one tiny aspect of it. With regards to our finances it can get us into extremely hot water. Or it can cause us to miss opportunities.

On the other hand, real knowledge sets us free. It gives us understanding and increases our choices, especially when it is sought out of genuine curiosity and a desire for self-improvement.

However, attempting to codify knowledge that is in essence a way of thinking itself, a way of seeing things, is much more difficult. It is not something that you do, but something that you consider, you reflect on & you see things in a different way than others. How easy is it to codify that? Can we write down the “thinking way” of an organisation? Arguably, it is not dissimilar to the culture. Often easy to describe in general terms, but not necessarily something that one can transfer via written documents. This is where the illusion of knowledge often comes from, we read a few words (or even a few books) on a subject & believe we are then experts.

Very Famous and meaningful quote said by Ms.Himadri is a D.Phill Researcher:

“Do question, even the basics!

You will be a fool for once!

If you don't, you will be, for a lifetime.”

While there are aspects of culture & of a “thinking way” that can be codified, it can be dangerous to “prescribe” these aspects when the evidence shows the remaining tacit knowledge will not be sought, will not be developed, will not be learned. Lean is not about tools, these are explicit & easy to copy. Lean is a way of thinking, arguably a culture – if it could be written down in a “prescription” to be followed, then it would have been done. Many elements can be explained, some can be provided in “prescription” format, but true Lean leaders understand that there is much more to it than can be simply codified into instructions on how to behave, what to look for & what questions to ask. A little knowledge can be more dangerous than none at all, it creates the illusion of knowledge.

In last we don’t need to be no rocket scientist, but knowing the difference between "their", "there", and "they’re" might be a great start.