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Book Review of I don't know: In Praise of Admitting Ignorance (Except When You Shouldn't)

I don't know: In Praise of Admitting Ignorance (Except When You Shouldn't)
kuligowskiandrewt avatar reviewed on + 569 more book reviews


The concept sounds so basic what's wrong with admitting that you don't know something?? Author Cohen points out that it isn't that easy. Peer pressure, the fear of feeling stupid (we all know about The Emporer's New Clothes), and the fear note how this word keeps coming up of appearing to lose some authority all prevent us from admitting to being in the dark about something.

Ms. Cohen points out that it can be a sign of strength to admit to not knowing something, and can prevent sometimes dangerous assumptions. It can prevent someone like a doctor from making a potentially disastrous assumption.

BUT it's not always appropriate. Ms. Cohen cites having a pilot get on the loudspeaker and admit to an issue he can't handle as inciting more panic and less communication. Sometimes, it is impolite to admit to ignorance, and would hurt the feelings of someone. In these cases, maybe you CAN pull off the little white lie.

Nice premise, nicely presented.

RATING: 4 ½ stars, rounded up to 5 stars.

DISCLOSURE: I was awarded an advance reader copy of this book in a random drawing, in the hopes I would read it and provide a review (but no requirements were placed on this hope).