The Whiteboard #2

The Whiteboard Series 

On my wall, in dry erase marker, is a question for the week.
Inspiration includes quotes, conversations, books, and even horoscopes. This week's question is....

How do you use knowledge?

This has been hands-down one of my favorite questions. In fact, I've asked almost everyone I know about this. 

It's one of those things that everyone thinks about differently and sheds a lot of light on an individual themselves. So, please before you read any further answer this question for yourself. 

Because it also makes you reckon with what you consider to be valuable knowledge. What do you personally consider to be knowledge? And what do you prioritize? I believe your environment largely determines this, from your academic, family, and social spheres there's all types of knowledge that helps us navigate through life. 

Done with self-reflection and have an answer or at least an idea of an answer? 

I'll share some notable responses from people I asked,

I use knowledge...

• Wisely
• To love/care for others
• To survive

They're all valid. Knowing my friend's favorite coffee order can help me cheer them up if they're having a rough day. Or knowing what store has the best deal on hygiene products can help me save money and pay rent on time. 

In my opinion, our society doesn't place enough value on this type of knowledge. Instead, we focus on what can be measured by exams and fill-in-the-bubble type answers. 

I mean, that's what I've prioritized my knowledge on. I focused on academic achievements and learned  countless facts and theories and phenomenon. My mission for the first 18 years of my life was to go to college and get the hell out of dodge. Needless to say, I wasn't the most popular kid. But it worked! 

Then, I went through one of the hardest academic programs in the nation, and I got left with what I would call the "scientific" mindset: using knowledge to question knowledge. 

For the most part, I subconsciously define knowledge as what is stated by authority figures. So now, in an age of false information and constant lies by authority figures, I use the knowledge I know is true to question everything else. 

I'll admit it's a flawed tactic. And it's probably not something I would've realized if it wasn't for this question. Exactly how much I prioritize academic information versus social and personal knowledge. 

The only other person who shared a similar answer was the eccentric billionaire who's my boss's boss, and I'm not sure what to make of that.

Questioning knowledge is critical, but while I was listening to different people's approach to this question it reframed my own priorities. 

And with all these questions, it's important to understand how others interpret the question. It might even have you reconsidering your own answer because now I'm trying to re-define my own perspective on knowledge. However, it starts with understanding where you're coming from, and your own answer to this. 

🕊️