“If you wish to improve, be content to appear clueless or stupid in extraneous matters — don't wish to seem knowledgeable. And if some regard you as important, distrust yourself.”
- Epictetus, Enchiridion, 13a
January 30, 2021 7:00 AM
In today's world, information is literally at our fingertips. We can call up the answers to our questions with a few clicks and a swipe. Knowledge is power, am I right?
Why is Epictetus telling us that if we wish to be an exceptional person, we should "be content to appear clueless or stupid in extraneous matters." "I don't know" or better yet, "I don't care" would be phrases Epictetus would enjoy us saying.
Conclusion
While knowledge is powerful, the amount of time and energy involved to update continuously is exhausting. Imagine how much time you win back if you didn't cruise Facebook. How about removing other media consumption such as news, sports, Netflix? We can be more present in this world by disconnecting and work on being rested.