Beginning to Know What We Have Not Known

"Surely it is the most blameworthy ignorance to believe that one knows what one does not know."

– Socrates

One of the most worthwhile pursuits in my life has been being okay with not knowing.

Being okay with not having the answer. Being okay with ceding power to someone with superior knowledge. Being okay with letting another person drive a conversation.

Being okay saying, "I'm not sure." Being okay admitting I don't have expertise on a certain topic. Being okay being the apprentice.

Learning how to start a conversation by listening. Learning how to seek to fully understand. Learning how to absorb meaning and context and nuance.

Learning to keep my ego in check. Learning to amplify the voices of others. Learning to exist with equanimity and civility.

When I reflect on the areas of my life where I do have knowledge, there was always a time when I was ignorant in those exact same areas.

Over time, through radical curiosity and profound empathy, I gained enough understanding in those areas to speak with more confidence and competence.

I hope that as we continue the conversation about race and racism, folks who have not previously been part of the conversation, join with compassion, humility, and genuine eagerness to learn.

So we can all begin to know what we have not known.