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I Don't Know: In Praise Of Admitting Ignorance (Except When You Shouldn't) (2013)

by Leah Hager Cohen(Favorite Author)

3.56 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

1594632391 (ISBN13: 9781594632396)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Riverhead Hardcover

review 1: While the book was enjoyable and well-written, I disagreed with the philosophical implications of the author's suggestion that we apply "I don't know" in every area of life. The refusal to nail anything down will lead to rampant relativism and agnosticism. However, I do think the phrase has a place in many parts of life, where people are often afraid to admit a lack of knowledge. It's understandable; I've felt the pressure myself to "know it all," in the classroom, in conversation, even at church. To honestly admit "I don't know" is terrifying, but would probably be a very freeing experience. All it takes is courage.
review 2: In American culture, the result of vocalizing our lack of knowledge in social settings is quite unacceptable. Shame, guilt, vulnerabil... moreity and a lack of self-confidence are common. We have all been in similar situations where we were supposed to have known the answer, but didn't. Supposed to have been familiar with the author or works, but weren't. But, Hager Cohen suggests that we can take control of and change this emotional response and cultural construct. We can behave conversely and, in turn, volley those emotions away from us while causing the other to become introspective about their approach (to teaching and learning specifically in a academic environment). Confident responses such as I don't know the answer, but I will do my best to find that out. Or, I am not familiar with that author/work. I will to look into it and let you know what I think. These are exactly what you will do anyway, so why not admit it at the onset. Not knowing is acceptable, if we believe it is. Continuous learning is a realistic, ideal and ever-developing process. I didn't know that...before I read this book. ;) less

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