In the last six weeks, I have learned many new things. The Internet has been my teacher – from teaching me how to teleconference with clients and friends to making margaritas and also, how to give my husband a haircut. We still live together because there is a lockdown.
I do like hearing from people about what is new in their lives. And in normal times, I read the news once a day. Ok, on most days. But the deluge of information that finds its way to me, without any effort from my end, has me swamped. It seems that every entity, that is capable of, has taken on the challenge of educating me. My banker sends me news of the market daily despite knowing my total lack of interest in investing money. Even now I do not want to know, on an hourly basis, how many people are infected, and how many cured, in every state and every country. Does the lack of desire to engage with information make me a philistine?
Sherlock Holmes gives me confidence. His companion, Dr. Watson, was aghast to discover that Sherlock was unaware that the earth traveled around the sun. Sherlock proceeded to add to Watson’s incredulity by saying that he would try to forget this nugget of knowledge. Sherlock’s explanation (condensed), “I consider that a man’s brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose…What the deuce is it to me? You say that we go round the sun. If we went round the moon it would not make a pennyworth of difference to me or my work.”
I am in august company.
In prevalent circumstances information bombardment by the self proclaimed experts can be truly nerve wrecking .
I agree with Sherlock Holmes where he says information not relevant in day to day life only burdens our minds with unnecessary clutter, but I wonder what great scientists and discoverers such as Columbus and Vasco da Gama would have to say to the detective’s opinion. I am sure they will cling in their graves!!!!!
I completely agree about being inundated by information and most believing my quality of life 8a affected in the absence of it.
Very thought-provoking!
Information and Knowledge are distinct words but with meanings having nebulous borders.
For instance, “I have information that Mr. Khanna would be giving a talk at AIMA on so and so date. I have however deep knowledge about the subject he is going to speak on.”
At the same time, for certain ordinary issues, words Information and Knowledge can be exchanged.
Knowledge generally implies something we acquire through formal education or training, self-study, through experience, as well as learning certain skills, and thus relates to subjects which are wider in range and depth.
Information on the other hand covers very diverse topics but quite narrow in range and depth.
As you have rightly observed, there is literally a deluge of information which we receive through media, internet, talks, discussions in get-together groups, etc. The mind however unconsciously filters it depending on our own temperament, our own beliefs and our own intellectual architecture. What is absorbed gets stashed as bits and pieces and to various degrees of intensity.
Information which is stored in the mind, and which may not be a part of the Knowledge, may serve as useful adjunct to enhance one’s lateral thinking which becomes helpful when we put such knowledge to practical applications, making choices or decision-making.
One can be selective in choosing which information one would like to be exposed to.
It could also help sprout creativity and innovation. As a saying goes “The Miracle comes quietly into the Mind that stops for an instant and is still!” One may not remember those bits and pieces, but when faced with a challenging situation, a relevant information may suddenly spring to prominence.
Thus, Information per se, may not be Knowledge but it has the potential to enrich the latter.
I too remember reading that bit on Sherlock Holmes. And yes, ma’m you indeed are in august company!!