I Do Not Know

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the buzzword these days. CEOs of elite companies are continuously deliberating on AI. They are trying to figure out its implications. They are worried about the disruption that AI may cause to their business. However, everyone wants to implement AI in their organization and be the first to do so. A FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is visible among these CEOs. Many CEOs are still clueless about its impact. Everyone is gazing in the dark. No one knows what will be disrupted and to what extent. 

AI is the talk of the town today. Debates are going on in the media on:-

Will AI eat up jobs or create new ones?

Which industry will be disrupted?

Will AI take over human beings?

Despite not having enough knowledge or experience in this subject, everyone is eager to participate in this debate. Everyone wants to express his opinion. Everyone seems to be an expert on AI. Everyone is eager to show off his two cents. 

I call this an “I Too Know” syndrome. 

This syndrome is not specific to AI. Take any subject and many experts are available to offer comments on that. Right from most talked about subjects like local politics to the stock market or most complex subjects like the world economy or global geo-political situation escalating due to the Israel-Iran war. People have strong opinions on all these subject matters. 

A few professions facing the brunt of such self-proclaimed experts are doctors, financial advisors, and consultants. 

A doctor becomes a specialist after laboring for eight hard years. After that, the poor lady has to slog many years to become an expert in that specialization. Becoming an expert demands years of dedication and hard work. No one becomes an expert overnight. It is a painful journey.

And when she advises you on your illness out of her experience of three decades, you show insidious behavior by googling in front of her and telling her that your advice seems to be incorrect. What a shameful act!  

A financial advisor too faces such disheartening situations many times in this journey. Some intelligent person calls up and asks,” Why did you advise so and so mutual fund when one-year returns are below category average?” Then you have to calmly explain to him the logic, and the rationale behind your selection. You try explaining to him that:-

1. One year is too short a period to judge

2. Return is not the only criterion for selecting a mutual fund

3. A single mutual fund is a small portion of the entire portfolio

4. Risk takes precedence over returns

5. Asset allocation is the most essential aspect,

   and so on.  

I call these species “Internet Ph.Ds”

These are all Internet experts. Easy access to loads of information led to the breeding of these species. They feel empowered by this googled information. This information gives them a false sense of knowledge leading to enhanced ego. 

However, they fail to comprehend the vital difference between:-

• Information,

• Knowledge,

• Experience, and

• “Wisdom.”

Through my constant reading, learning, and unlearning; I have discovered a valuable life lesson. If someone asks me my opinion about a subject in which I have no expertise, I quietly say, “I Do Not Know.”

It gives me immense satisfaction to say, “I Do Not Know.” It makes me humble and keeps me grounded. 

J Krishnamurti has a profound say on this. He said, “If one can really come to that state of saying, “I do not know,” it indicates an extraordinary sense of humility; there is no arrogance of knowledge; there is no self-assertive answer to make an impression.” 

Next time someone asks you your opinion beyond your circle of competence, just say, “I Do Not Know.”