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I Know Nothing Challenge

Posted on by Brian Hertzog

Too often, we think we know it all.  I know what will happen.  I know the answers.  I know the directions.  I'll remember tomorrow.  ​

How frequently do we make a list of the things we know nothing about?  I challenge you to write a list and share it.​

Here's mine:​

  • Making sushi
  • ​Writing Javascript
  • Playing the banjo
  • How to drive a stick-shift ​
  • Speaking and reading Russian
  • ​How jet engines work
  • How solar panels convert light into energy
  • Foreign policies
  • How books are printed and bound
  • How plastic water bottles are made
  • Flying a helicopter

There are eleven items on this list.  It took about five minutes to make.  It could go on and on.  The point is, there are so many things (many of which I take for granted) that I know nothing about.  Why waste mental energy on something that has no immediate impact on my life?  It's no waste.  The broader your mental spectrum, the more intersections you will be able to make.  Finding patterns requires a large sample.  Take the "know nothing challenge".  If you can learn just one thing on your list, you will feel awesome.  I will work on mine.  Let me know how you do.  I'll be in Russia making sushi playing a banjo.​