The value of IGNORANCE....

...and especially of RECOGNIZING it. A Nobel Prize winning physicist confirms it!

A big ego can hinder you on your way to success....

How is that? Here's how a big ego can hinder you....

It's that attitude, "I know it all already!" -- when maybe you don't.

The idea "I know it all already!" could stop you from learning more.... That's because, you close your mind to learning new things with an attitude like this....

It's much better to be able to admit your ignorance.

The thought, "I know it all already" -- when you really don't -- is like carrying around a pot full of useless rocks. You could have used that pot to carry something useful, but now you can't because it's already full.... You could come across some gold or diamonds, but you can't take any of it because your pot is already chock-full of rocks....

However, knowing that you lack knowledge in SOME areas is like carrying around an empty pot. When you come across some gold, you have an empty pot to fill with it and enrich yourself!

This isn't just theory.... I see it a lot, in fact.... Admitting to yourself that you can still learn about something can be one of the most powerful tools there is!

It sounds contradictory, but I believe it's true....

Doubt leads to exploring new avenues, and discovering new things.... Which, when it comes to any activity (like business), means improving yourself and your business....

Here's how the Nobel Prize-winning physicist, Richard Feynman, explains it....

He wrote:

And it is of paramount importance, in order to make progress, that we recognize this ignorance and this doubt. Because [when] we have the doubt, we then propose looking in new directions for new ideas.....

If we were not able or did not desire to look in any new direction, if we did not have a doubt or recognize ignorance, we would not get any new ideas....

If you know you are not sure, you have a chance to improve the situation.

Click here to see Richard Feynman's more complete quote....

Ignorance can be a valuable thing, WHEN IT IS RECOGNIZED, because it is by recognizing your ignorance in certain areas that you can grow and improve yourself. And, in my view, one of the most destructive thoughts could be to think that you know everything....

NOBODY knows everything, and thinking that you do will just hinder you.

However, REALIZING that you could know something valuable is important too.... So having a clear picture of your own ignorance and knowledge are both extremely valuable things!

But everyone's written about the value of knowledge, so it's good to know that there is also some value in recognizing your own ignorance too.... :)

Dien Rice