Three Little Words

There are three little words in the English language that I think could make a difference if they were spoken more often.

If you really pay attention, I’m not sure how often you hear them. These days, they are not the most popular words to hear. You may be wondering what they are.

I don’t know.

Yes, those are the three words I’m talking about: I don’t know. Why is that? There seems to be an abundance of people who are willing and happy to tell you their opinion and what they think. About anything. About everything. And often without even needing to be asked.

You will see it if you watch or listen to any national news program or a read an article in a newspaper or magazine. Just scroll through any social media app and you won’t have any trouble recognizing this trait. I recently discovered there is a word for this behavior. I had no idea! It is called ultracrepidarianism. It is defined as the habit of giving opinions and advice on matters outside of one’s knowledge or competence.

I think we all might know one or two of people who fall into that category.

Wouldn’t it be refreshing to hear a lot more people say I don’t know? Unfortunately, most of us humans don’t like sitting with the lack of certitude and the mystery of life. We want concrete answers and solutions to almost everything. And we want them fast.

I just find that it’s a little easier to listen to and connect with someone who can admit they don’t have the answers to some of life’s mysteries.

I can even enjoy discussing those things in life that tend to perplex me. The more open and diverse the group, the more fascinating the discussion can be.

Just watch what happens, though, if someone in the room has a need to demonstrate the trait mentioned above. Some people often tend to become quiet, shut down. I know I often do. I don’t enjoy getting into a debate with someone like that. I imagine they would find me weak or perhaps ignorant. I’m learning to be okay with that.

I do wonder, though, what this world would look like if more of us could become comfortable living with uncertainty and the messiness of life.

I don’t know. But I would really like to find out.