Today I am thankful for the ability to recognize the difference between “knowing of” something and actually “knowing” something. This subject was running through my mind as I was on my way to the hair salon today. Yes, that’s right, I said “hair salon.” So, you know that I am on cloud nine right now. And if you are not sure why that is the case, you can read all about it here. But I digress.
As I was driving to the hair salon the thought came to me that “knowing of” something is when someone tells you something, whereas actually “knowing” something is when you become aware of something through your own experience. In thinking about all of this I was reminded of the numerous times that I have heard people say that they “knew better” or that they “knew what the right thing to do was.”
Yet, when thinking back on some of those situations I realize that many of the people making those statements, myself included at times, really meant that other people had told them what would have been best for them to do in that type of situation, not that they truly knew what they should have done and felt any sense of connection to whatever it was that they knew that they should have done. I say this because when you really “know” something it is because you have gained knowledge by learning from something you experienced. Now, this is not to say that the knowledge obtained from others is not as important as the knowledge that is obtained through personal experiences, but rather my intention is to show that there is a difference in the manner in which the knowledge obtained via these different methods is viewed, processed, and applied.
See, when a person truly knows something, they have some sort of connection to that knowledge, a connection that is formed through some sort of experience. And that connection causes that person to feel a sense of responsibility regarding that bit of obtained knowledge, which in a way serves to compel that person to behave in a way that demonstrates that they really know whatever idea it is that they purport to know, including what “the right thing” is.
Whereas, when a person merely knows of something, there is a disconnect, a lack of ownership of the knowledge, and a sense of responsibility is lacking. Thus, they are less likely to carry themselves in a way that demonstrates that they truly know whatever it is that they purport to know.
As always, I certainly do not hold myself out to be an expert on these matters. I am just merely sharing my opinions and thoughtful considerations, which are often based on experiences that I have had. And in my experience, the knowledge that I have gained through my personal experiences has certainly resonated with me, effectively compelling me to live my life in a way that demonstrates the lessons that I have learned. How about you? #lovebythedrop
love by the drop 