• Knowledge is King: How to Spot The Fake

    edited by Alexander Becker

    Not everybody knows more than you do.

    Some don't know, don't even try, yet they pretend to know, while others don't know, do try, eventually succeed -- or even fail -- and finally do know.

    Without knowledge, skill cannot be focused. Without skill, strength cannot be brought to bear, and without strength, knowledge may not be applied. -- Alexander the Great's Chief Physican

    Real knowledge is king. I know, I know, applied knowledge is king but right now, let's focus on real knowledge vs. semi- or pseudo- or pretending-to-be-knowledge. Fake knowledge makes fake kings.

    Exactly because knowledge is king, there are many who want you to believe they are king.

    Whenever someone appears or pretends to be in the know, think twice before giving him or her expert credit and credentials. Consider these ways to authenticate the authority of an expert --

    1. Define your own, specific questions and insist on specific answers. A true expert contemplates your question, while the fake often slightly alters your question to match his partial knowledge. The difference is inthe depth and specifity of the answer.
    2. Check for an honest I don't know in response to a question that isn't answerable. Your fraudulent expert wouldn't admit.
    3. Check for ego. If ego and knowledge of the expert in question seem inseparable, be careful, for he defends the limits of his knowledge with his very life.
    4. Challenge them to show instead of tell -- that's the easiest way.

    Try to question the expert under four eyes or, if you feel comfortable, do your testing in public or at least among others who will -- most often and surprisingly -- not recognize the fraud.

    Finally, it's always interesting to observe how little knowledge is necessary to survive and even thrive. Look around your professional competition. There are many who know much less than you do. Make the most of your true knowledge and claim your particular throne.

    One more thing -- you too: Show, don't tell, because this is what makes the difference between real knowledge and fake knowledge. Make sure to apply and thus effortlessly show your knowledge. Also make sure not to show off either.

    That kind of knowledge is king.

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  • Question Everything You Believe In

    edited by Alexander Becker

    After questioning everything you do, you may want to start from scratch with your beliefs as well.

    Question everything you believe to be true. Everything you believe in. Question the effect that each of your beliefs has on you. Is it good for you? For the success of your actions, for your mind, for your soul, for your emotions. Finally, what do your beliefs do to mankind? Do your beliefs help or hinder humanity?

    Why would you hold on to a belief that you know isn't perfectly beneficial to its believers? Why in fact, do you call it a belief? If you are convinced and know it for sure it is knowledge and there is no reason for any doubt. Make that belief knowledge or drop it. Knowledge as in you are absolutely, positively convinced -- not necessarily as in scientifically proven.

    What about beliefs whose primary purpose is to explain shortcomings? Beliefs that cover a lack of courage, beliefs decorating fears with colorful legends.

    A good way to start is to rid yourself from any belief whatsoever... Why believe at all? Please note that this is an exercise in using your own mind, not a contest in offending anybody else's emotions nor thoughts. There are subtle differences to pay attention to.

    So, do you merely believe in God or are you absolutely, positively convinced about the existence of God? Can you see the difference?

    Let's take a look at the inevitable objections to the questioning of belief itself: Isn't any objection somehow rooted in fear? Isn't the fact that you are not convinced based on a fear, that possibly, maybe, the belief could be wrong? Not so with knowledge. Either you do know or you don't.

    There is a very particular audacity in knowing vs. believing. That's the difference.

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