The Dangers of Omniscience

Last year I traveled to Cupertino, California to attend a training course called Crucial Conversations. It was a fascinating course that helped me understand how to identify conversations where much is at stake and emotions are high.

One of the authors of the book on which the course is based, Kerry Patterson, provides a semi-monthly newsletter where he provides a humorous, real-life example of well executed communication skills, or those same skills gone horribly wrong. Today, the article is titled Hidden Dangers.

He describes how smart people had, perhaps unknowingly, created dangerous situations: suicide doors, products made with toxic elements like mercury and thorium, home chemistry sets, and Howitzers - all of which the author personally experienced.

He then transitions to a danger we face today, perceived omniscience, or the idea that “I’m smart and right and you’re stupid and wrong.” No room for dialogue. From the article:

[W]e’re continually being exposed to the killing effects of assuming our own omniscience. Here’s how this ugly assumption works. People routinely talk about something as complicated as revamping the country’s massive healthcare system as if their view is remarkably simple, completely obvious, and held by all smart people. Of course, their opponents’ view is just plain stupid. So stupid in fact, that you can’t talk about it without rolling your eyes.

While Kerry has an interesting and profound thought, do we as smart, educated individuals really fall prey to this danger? Perhaps. But this danger isn't as prevalent at Kerry suggests - it's merely immediately present in the media, perpetuated by business models and revenue over a search for truth. How often do your conversations with those you disagree with follow the smart+right/stupid+wrong equation?

The problem with perceived omniscience is merely a symptom of a larger problem of improper media consumption - actively thinking about the information presented and applying it effectively to your life. Exacerbating the issue is the methodology of presentation: can you really get all the necessary facts to make an educated, informed decision with a 60-second spot?

Unfortunately, this is the way most outlets in the media choose to present the information they gather.

Linkedin

I just removed my personal site from my Linkedin profile. I figure Linkedin is a professional networking site, so my personal site should represent me professionally.

Hmmm...