Short read: An ode to ignorance

A key attribute of a successful investor often talked about is the commitment for continuous learning. Indeed, this could apply to any profession. And the commitment for learning arises from the acknowledgement that we will never know, let alone understand, all that is to be known or understood i.e, a recognition of our ignorance. Here’s a lovely little blog talking about the importance of it:

“In his best-selling book, Sapiens, the historian Yuval Harari wrote that the Scientific Revolution was not a revolution of knowledge, but one of ignorance. It was the discovery, or rather, realization that we do not know the answers to our most important questions that catapulted us into our modern age where scientific inquiry and research have led to breakthroughs not only in science, but also in economics, education, medicine, and technology.”

But in this age where information is just a click away, surely it is possible to become less ignorant?

“Learn more about the world and become more educated? Sure. Read more history? Yes, that’s important. Improve and expand our thinking? Definitely. But the thing is, you will likely never find answers to these existential questions that are universally accepted and objectively true. We struggle with understanding the true nature of our world because we are so limited in what we know. In fact, we don’t even know what we don’t know. And a frustrating paradox is that the more you know, the more you will realize just how much you don’t know. It’s the Dunning-Kruger effect. The more you read, learn, and think deeply about life, reality, our world, and about our universe, the more you will come to realize just how much you don’t know.

…My knowledge of the world has increased, but paradoxically, my understanding of the world has decreased. However, I don’t mind it. This is what happens when you venture out into the unknown. My alternative was staying stagnant in my way of thinking, stuck in an untested belief, and giving up my life for religious dogma that I didn’t even know was true. So now here I am. In the unknown. In ignorance. It’s frightening, unstable, and confusing, but at the same time, it’s wonderful. 

The acceptance of your ignorance is what keeps you a student forever. It’s what keeps you moving past the Thought Stop Signs that inhibit exploratory thought. It was the acceptance of our collective lack of knowledge and understanding of the world that led to the Scientific Revolution. It is this willingness to embrace ignorance that drives us forward. It’s the willingness to say “I don’t know” and venture out into the unknown to explore the possibilities out there so that one day, you may discover the truth. This is the ode to ignorance.”

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Note: The above material is neither investment research, nor financial advice. Marcellus does not seek payment for or business from this publication in any shape or form. The information provided is intended for educational purposes only. Marcellus Investment Managers is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and is also an FME (Non-Retail) with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) as a provider of Portfolio Management Services. Additionally, Marcellus is also registered with US Securities and Exchange Commission (“US SEC”) as an Investment Advisor.