It's Common Sense

"The More You Know, The Less You Know"

One of my favorite college professors would pepper lectures with this phrase at the moment our eyes would light up in understanding. We would follow a creatively intertwined tale that started over there and circled back thataway and then ended up blowing your mind over here. Masterfully this journey of knowledge had intersections that would connect along the way with sidenotes we would have never guessed. It was memorable as presented like these events or people were from back home, you just had not heard what they were up to in a while.

At first glance we sum up someone relative to their "job" quite literally defining people by what they "do". Using this logic, you would say my professor was an instructor for college level world history, simple as that. If you leave some space open for more, you would have seen a linguist, Egyptologist, historian, world traveler, scholar in several areas I don't recall, horticulturalist, and an engaging public speaker. It was a calling to present information to us without noise or influence.

We don't like to admit it, but we can all be manipulated, it happens to everyone. We have to put forth an active effort to pay more attention and even if a dear friend is sharing, better verify. We are obligated to hold people accountable, and think things through rationally. And, get this, you can change your mind. You don't have to double down. We all need to ease up on criticism.

I can't help but think it's the pace of society that is killing our curiosities, I urge you to perk up and pay attention, now is not the time to be lazy. It is a tactic to keep everyone mad, we don't think clearly through anger. Don't take the bait. This misdirection points to how much we don't know. Speaking for myself and many in my world, there is a feeling of uneasy heaviness.

We influence others without realizing, so with a critical lens, what vibes are you throwing out there for others to pick up? I saw this professor for about an hour, once a week for about 8 weeks and it still resonates with me after 20 something years. It is safe to say what we do matters but don't forget what we don't do carries it's own weight. Maybe a little more self awareness before pointing things out about others would help everyone put things into perspective.

We have the ability to sort through what is worth our time and what is not. We forget the value of our time and energy, the importance of flying solo from time to time without influences of others. Keep that in mind when you realize you have been looking down or feel the walls moving in. There is always another way to look at things, no matter how sure you are that you are seeing it the "right" way. It takes time but it is worth it.

I wish I knew half of the things my professor has forgotten over the years. I won't forget this quote which reminds me to seek inspiring, authentic, and even vulnerable conversations. Maybe it will resonate with you and remind you that it's ok to want to know more and ask questions. We learn and grow from those uncomfortable moments, if we are brave enough to push through it.

As we wonder this path we realize that we aren't the only ones. It seems like pretty confusing times, and simply being nice can make all the difference. We don't have to agree with someone else's perspective, but we can respect it the same as we want ours respected. It's common sense if you stop and think of it.

So when I think I have it all figured out, I remember the more I know, the less I know. Things are heavy as it is, and I hope I am wrong, but I think things are going to be getting heavier than we realize. If we want to keep this ship afloat and turn it back around to those calmer waters, we are going to need each other. Protect the more sensitive, younger, or weaker, and don't take kindness and genuine human experiences for granted. Leave ego, attitude, and mindless chatter for the noisemakers.

I have faith in you. I have faith in myself. I have faith that we can help each get back to good as long as we remember we are stronger together. It's common sense .