Be An Epistemic Spoilsport

Well, it was learning; as I said, we know a lot; but the ratio between what any of us can know, and what we need to know in order to be competent in our knowledge, well, that’s like a big ratio, man, and not in our favor.

An alternative, and maybe one we can more ably manage, is to follow Herre Climacus and look instead for complications. I do not mean trolling. To troll is to raise unproductive difficulties for the vicious joy of making other people upset. That’s for losers. I’m talking about making productive difficulties for the virtuous joy of recalling ourselves and our friends to our own limitations; in short, being an epistemic spoilsport. What don’t we know? What don’t we understand? What doesn’t seem to fit? Why is it that we know more than ever, and yet, and yet?

Of course one can raise these questions as offensive maneuvers; we can play the part of skeptics to knock know-it-alls from their high and mighty thrones, or we can pretend not to understand one thing in the hopes of persuading someone to believe another thing instead. But I am recommending something more naive and genuine. Honest and reflective people might consider owning up to the fact that they really don’t understand what’s going on with this or that, and don’t have a sexy opinion to offer. And they can broadcast this expression of failing to others, who might at first seem surprised or bemused at such a flat refusal to play the trade opinions game, but after a few minutes they may recognize that good lord there is the possibility of a real conversation on offer here, and together we might express our befuddlements and share in our perplexities, and at the end of the night feel as if in our shared ignorance there is a shared humanity.

You don’t have to know everything in order to see that you understand very little, but a little bit of knowledge helps. And that’s all we are ever likely to have as individuals, even with 5G networks. This is why I am thinking we just might be able to pull this off. We can’t do full knowledge; that’s way too big. We can’t even reach a respectable level of knowledge. But a little knowledge, and some wonder, and some complications that we can meaningfully share with one another, that we can do. A little less confidence, if you please, and more honest talk. Tell me what you don’t know.

- More Here

Illusion of knowledge causes more pain and suffering than lack of knowledge. Instead, embrace epistemological modesty - it will change your mind and then heart. You will become a kinder human being who acts according to our impermanence, sees beauty in every living being on earth and mindful of every precious moment we have. 

The most difficult subjects can be explained to the most slow-witted man if he has not formed any idea of them already; but the simplest thing cannot be made clear to the most intelligent man if he is firmly persuaded that he knows already, without a shadow of doubt, what is laid before him.

- Mark Twain