Comments on: Painful Knowledge

By: Britt

Britt — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:21:35 +0000

@Caleb: In your last sentence, there’s something key: taking ownership. I think it’s why I’m so easily frustrated by the people who claim they are only sharing facts. Often, such individuals want all the benefits of the knowledge without any of the associated responsibility. It’s the adult version of being a tattle tale in some respects.

By: Caleb Chang

Caleb Chang — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:13:07 +0000

I often wish I knew far less than I do.

With knowledge comes power and with power comes responsibility. What a profound lesson to learn at such an early age.

It reminds me of the biblical story of Adam & Eve and how they both partook of knowledge that they were not ready for. For the one action, there was dire consequences that spanned generations.

On a practical level, as a father and a manager, I think it’s vital to assess, refine and own what you know before passing it on.

By: Britt

Britt — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:20:54 +0000

@Paisano: I think that’s why people are so suspicious of news organizations that claim no bias or automatic neutrality. Every time I hear Fox News sign off with, “we report, you decide,” I’m surprised that more people don’t push back against this idea that all they’re doing is reporting. This reality applies to any news agency or other entity involved in information sharing. I’d be more willing to listen to the reporter who acknowledges what drives his or her knowledge sharing.

By: Paisano

Paisano — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:21:02 +0000

Excellent food for thought. Knowledge as a weapon. Yes, the same information or knowledge can be used in totally different ways.

That’s one of the most difficult tasks for journalists, bloggers and news media directors. HOW the news or information is presented is just as critical as WHAT is presented. What we don’t reveal is also extremely important, sort of like the silence between musical notes in a song. Sometimes the right decisions are made, sometimes not. It’s always a guessing game where we must follow our own unique code of ethics, moral fiber and intuition.

On a personal level, I watch my kids in awe and wonder and enjoy their naivity and innocence. I catch myself longing for my yute, er youth. How true that ignorance is bliss!!! I do wish I didn’t know now what I didn’t know then?

Still, the more we know, the more we grow. However, with such enlightenment comes vast amounts of darkness. Man, I sure miss those endless sunny summer days.