We frequent ‘the Library’ when we wish to improve our ability to perform an activity/skill (get to the next level). This shows the importance we place on having correct knowledge and the influence that our level of knowledge has on the course of actions we choose to pursue.
Knowledge/new information not only influences goal selection (what we desire, aim at, wish to achieve.) but also our means selection (the way in which we intend to go about getting what we want; the tools, equipment and tactics we shall use to bring the desired state of affairs into being.)
Incorrect knowledge?
Incorrect knowledge are beliefs,we hold, which we think are true but, in reality, are not. It can come in the form of an incorrect theory of causality (what ’causes’ produce what ‘effects’) where the means selected have no possibility of bringing about the achievement of the outcome (someone performing a rain dance to make it rain) or in the form of a mistaken instance. (believing that the earth is the centre of the solar system.)
Why is correct knowledge important?
Correct knowledge is vital for consistently achieving our desired ends. If we want to get money out of an ATM, among other things, you need to know the correct PIN code. (this is an example of correct knowledge.) [it must be noted that this is not the only way to get money out of an ATM for example, although illegal, you could break into it. Imagining that you are in possession of the right code, when in fact you are typing in the wrong code (incorrect knowledge) is certainly going to stop you obtaining money from the machine, frustrating your desires.
Sure, anyone can get lucky on a one off and achieve their goal(s) in spite of incorrect knowledge. For example, to use our ATM example from earlier, a women attempts to enter what she thinks is the correct PIN code for her account (which in reality is incorrect), whilst doing so, however, she accidentally and without noticing presses a wrong key on the keypad, by blind look, this accidentally entered code happens to be the correct one; she receives money from the machine; very unlikely, yes; theoretically impossible, no.
If this unlikely scenario were to occur this women would undoubtedly persist under the illusion that she possesses correct knowledge, not so. Next time she’ll attempt to enter the same wrong code, this time, most likely, she won’t be so lucky with the accidental key-press; and will be unable to withdraw any money from the machine. She may blame the machine (think that it is broken), she may get angry and the bank, she may get convinced that her account has been frozen due to attempted fraud. All potential real world reason which would explain her plight. In our example, however, this is not the case, her failure is precipitated by incorrect knowledge; until she gets the correct knowledge (the right PIN code) she won’t be able to consistently withdraw money from her account. (though this is not knowledge that you can acquire from ‘the library’.)
‘After that, therefore, because of that’
Likewise, we can easily imagine the scenario where someone decides to do a dance to make it rain and shortly after, or during the dance, it begins to rain. However, this doesn’t mean that there is any necessary connection between the two events. As a result of such a coincidence our imaginary person could easily come to the incorrect conclusion that their dance was the cause of the rain, rather than a mere coincidence, it’s coincidental occurrence will surely strengthen, and reinforce, the belief; inevitably leading to many future failures/disappointments and the waste of a lot of time, dancing to no effect.
However, again, for different reasons, this example is flawed; rain is a natural phenomena, it happens sporadically irrespective of human action. In most of the world the phenomena occurs frequently enough that it will lead to false positives (the dancer thinks he’s had an effect) If he dances frequently and long enough, eventually, it will rain during his dance and when it does he will be vindicated, in his own mind. In formal logic this is known as the ‘after that, therefore, because of that’ fallacy. It is a common mistake the mind is want to fall into; in our ignorance, in the primitive pursuit of truth, we make connections between events that are unconnected a la superstitions. [In this case, the correct knowledge is that, an individuals actions have no barring on whether it will rain or not. The weather is determined by forces outside his/her control.]
Seeds don’t sprout on concrete.
If you think that seeds can sprout on concrete, or think that they sprout better on concrete that in soil, and so you plant your seed crop on concrete you will undoubtedly reap a poor harvest. in this situation there will be no false positives. If you hold this mistaken view of causality, and act on it, you, and those dependent on you, will suffer the negative consequences associated with acting upon this level of ignorance and will continue to suffer these consequences so long you foolishly persist
Is playing the lottery an example of incorrect knowledge?
Authors Note: When gathering my thoughts to write this post. I began with the idea that ‘playing the lottery’ was an example of incorrect knowledge. However, upon reflection I realised that I was mistaken. Playing the lottery, consistently purchasing tickets, is one strategy for amassing wealth (a rather passive strategy), we hear and read about examples every month of people who have followed this strategy and done so. If someone desires riches and settles on playing the lottery as his/her favored strategy to make it a reality they are not acting, in this case, on incorrect knowledge. It would be incorrect knowledge if the individual thought that the way to play the lottery was to write 6 numbers, between 1 and 50 on a random piece of paper and swallow the coin.
incorrect vs ill-advised.
It is now prudent to make a distinction between ‘incorrect’ and ‘ill-advised’ means for achieving ends. As previously stated incorrect means have no chance of bringing about ends. Ill-advised means have only a small chance of bring about the end and as such would be wisely avoided.
Someone who gambles with their spare money, buying lottery tickets, in an effort to get rich (unwise/ill-advised) rather than taking the wise and sensible approach of saving and investing their money consistently; focusing on improving themselves, (developing their human capital) and working hard (an active and demanding strategy). The gambler may be incredibly lucky and win the jackpot at some point, or if extremely lucky win it on their first go. However this doesn’t make it a sensible strategy for amassing wealth; the probabilities are forever against you.
Does correct knowledge bring certainty?
Possessing correct knowledge does not give certainty that we will achieve our goals; ever present is the risk of failure, there are always factors outside of our control which may thwart even the most carefully made plans drawn up by the wisest of individuals.
‘The library’ helps us upgrade our understanding of the world and how it works, in so doing, this has a practical impact on ones life. assuming that you are upgrading your knowledge and not downgrading it, a real possibility [more on this topic in a latter post]
To reiterate a thought I presented in the last post: It is up to each of us to take action; make the decision to become a student, search and make the effort to improve. No one can force another to attend ‘the library’; no one can make the decision for anyone other than themselves,no matter how much they want to and no matter how much they think the other person would benefit from the knowledge.
I want to hear from you!
[Author’s note: I only provided a few examples to make the idea clear. There are many more I thought of and thought about including but ultimately decided against not wishing to drive the point into the ground. I’m sure you can come up with some of your own insightful analogies and illustrations of incorrect knowledge. If you do, please share them in the comments section below. I look forward to reading them. I’d also like to add that, I’m aware this is a complex idea, I’ve done my best to explain it as simply as I can. If it’s still not clear enough please let me know, feel free to ask questions also in the comments section.]