Some thoughts on the World, the ones we know and the many we don't

November 24 2010, 10:03 PM  by Bernie Michalik

A number of comments I have come across on twitter have me thinking today
about the world and the idea of the World.

In the World this week - at least the view from where I stand - the big
news in Europe was the proposed financial rescue of Ireland by the IMF. Yet
reading many American web sites, the big news consisted of either the TSA
and air travel or something the Palins did. It would be easy for me to
criticize Americans for this, but to be honest there are other parts of the
world that I am unaware of events happening there, be in South America,
Africa or parts of Asia. Humility is needed on my part.

But I am also curious about what is happening the world and I am interested
in what is happening in all parts of the World. And to me, that combination
of humility, curiosity and interest is what one should have. What I should
have.

There will be Know It Alls and Know Nothings who will take pride in knowing
more or much less than you. In either case, the pride gets in the way. For
the Know It Alls are so confident in their superior knowledge that they
overlook or ignore many areas of the World that they know nothing about
(and there are always lots of those). And the Know Nothings are arrogant in
their belief that if they don't know it, then it has no merit and thus miss
out on many good things as a result.

What's better I think is to acknowledge what you know and what you don't,
and be interested and curious about the latter, while always be willing to
share.

Photo of items from the world in my kitchen, including an Italian wine in a
French glass with a Swiss knife, a Canadian coin, German pens next to an
American mobile device made in China next to a toy also made in China. The
eye glasses and the espresso maker are Italian, while the coffee is Kenyan
and the key chain is Turkish.
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Sent from my BlackBerry Handheld.

365 views and 1 response

  • Nov 25 2010, 9:05 AM
    Joanne MacDonald responded:
    Interesting topic.
    However, I must take umbrage with your comment, "the know nothings are arrogant in the belief that....."
    I don't think that "pride" has anything to do with this, (unless I misunderstand your point here.)

    Just because it is important for YOU to know about what's going on in the rest of the world, doesn't make it true for everyone else.
    People who invest vast amounts of time on a personal quest to know EVERYTHING about everything often miss out all of the good & valuable things that are right under their noses!
    Furthermore, I would argue that THESE are the people who are more at risk for becoming arrogant, simply by virtue of their vast, personal knowledge.

    And besides, it just ISN'T practical or even possible to know everything that's happening in the world.
    Indeed I would even go so far as to say, it isn't even "relevant" in the broad scheme of things.
    Or more correctly, in the NARROW scope of one's personal life.

    The "age of information" has had many unforseen negative ripple effects. Just one of which is to become compelled to know everything about everything! It almost seems to be a "prerequisite" for success.
    It may well be the main cause of the general malaise & overall malcontent in world today.

    Therefore it is important to be reminded that there's nothing wrong with being happy with whatever your "LITTLE corner of the world" is; however you define it.

    That said, I do agree that while curiosity, interest, and humility ARE important, just remember that, HUMILITY has a lot to do with, NOT judging other people based on OUR personal opinions, values, etc.

    Thanks for another insightful, (as well as inciteful) essay! ; D