In the previous episodes, we explored the transformative question, “What if I’m wrong?” and the harsh reality that sometimes, being wrong can lead to devastating consequences. But what if there’s another powerful question we’re neglecting? What if, instead of pretending to know, we embraced the simple yet profound phrase, “I don’t know”?
The truth is, you don’t know what you don’t know. And that’s exactly where the power lies. In a world obsessed with certainty, “I don’t know” holds tremendous possibilities. But too often, people rush to conclusions, eager to appear knowledgeable, while unknowingly closing the door to new insights.
The Problem with Pretending to Know
We’ve all seen it—people who are dead certain about things that just aren’t true. They speak with conviction, dismiss alternative viewpoints, and confidently present themselves as authorities on subjects they barely understand. The problem isn’t just that they’re wrong; it’s that by pretending to know, they’re shutting down the very process of learning.
How many times have you been in a situation where someone declared something with absolute certainty, only to later realize they were completely off base? This happens more than we care to admit. In fact, society rewards confidence over accuracy, which only fuels the tendency to pretend we know more than we actually do.
But here’s the truth: the moment you destroy “I don’t know,” you destroy the possibility of knowing. Why? Because admitting you don’t know keeps your mind open. It invites curiosity, exploration, and the willingness to learn. On the other hand, drawing a conclusion—especially prematurely—often leads to a closed mind that rejects all other possibilities.
“I Don’t Know” as a Gateway to Truth
Saying “I don’t know” isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of wisdom. When you acknowledge that you don’t have all the answers, you give yourself the freedom to explore, to question, and to search for the truth. This openness is the key to genuine understanding.
Think of how many scientific breakthroughs came from someone saying, “I don’t know, but let’s find out.” From the early days of medicine to space exploration, the most groundbreaking discoveries often started with someone admitting they didn’t know. They didn’t pretend to have the answers. They sought them out.
Take the field of astronomy, for example. Centuries ago, most people were certain that the Earth was the center of the universe. They “knew” this, and any suggestion to the contrary was dismissed as heresy. But it took brave individuals —who were willing to say, “I don’t know, let’s investigate”—to eventually uncover the truth about our place in the cosmos. Nicolaus Copernicus was a Renaissance-era mathematician and astronomer and was the first person to seriously question the idea that the Earth was the center of the universe.
This mindset is critical in all areas of life, whether you’re navigating a personal dilemma, a business decision, or a social issue. When you hold onto “I don’t know,” you give truth the chance to get in.
The Danger of Certainty
Certainty can be comforting, but it can also be dangerous. The moment you draw a conclusion and convince yourself that you know, you stop being open to other perspectives. This is how echo chambers are created—people surround themselves with like-minded individuals who reinforce their beliefs while rejecting anything that challenges their worldview.
We see this all the time in politics, in religion, in personal relationships, and even in the workplace. People are so certain that they’re right that they can’t see any other possibility. It’s a form of intellectual arrogance, and it shuts down any hope of growth or progress.
By contrast, saying “I don’t know” keeps you curious. It allows you to engage with new ideas, question your assumptions, and remain open to alternative solutions. It’s not about being indecisive or passive; it’s about being humble enough to admit that you don’t have all the answers—and that’s okay.
Why We Struggle to Say “I Don’t Know”
So, why is it so hard to say “I don’t know”? For many, it’s about fear—fear of appearing weak, uninformed, or indecisive. We live in a culture that prizes certainty and confidence, so much so that admitting ignorance feels like failure.
But here’s the thing: “I don’t know” is actually a form of strength. It shows that you’re not afraid to learn, to question, and to grow. It signals that you’re not tied to your ego or the need to be right. Instead, you’re committed to the truth, whatever that truth may be.
Embracing “I Don’t Know” in Your Life
So how can we start embracing “I don’t know” in our daily lives? Here are a few simple steps:
- Pause Before jumping to Conclusions – When faced with a situation where you’re unsure, resist the urge to make assumptions. Take a moment to reflect and admit, “I don’t know enough yet.”
- Ask More Questions – Instead of rushing to answers, lean into curiosity. What else could be true? What haven’t you considered? The more questions you ask, the closer you get to the truth.
- Be Open to Being Wrong – Part of embracing “I don’t know” is being okay with the fact that you might be wrong. And that’s fine. The goal isn’t to be right—it’s to learn.
- Encourage Others to Admit Uncertainty – In conversations with friends, colleagues, or loved ones, create a space where it’s okay to say “I don’t know.” Encourage open dialogue without the pressure of being certain.
The Freedom of “I Don’t Know”
At the end of the day, “I don’t know” is freeing. It’s a mindset that opens up endless possibilities. When you stop pretending to know everything, you make room for real knowledge, real understanding, and real growth.
So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where the answers aren’t clear, don’t be afraid to say those three simple words: “I don’t know.” Because in those words lies the key to discovery, wisdom, and truth.
After all, it’s not what we know for sure that changes the world—it’s what we’re willing to learn.
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The post The Reed Manga Series – Fearlesss in the Unknown: The Hidden Strength of “I Don’t Know” appeared first on Author Joanne Reed.