[28032025] Not Knowing is Fine, Pretending to Know is Not

In everyday life, we often encounter people who lack in-depth knowledge about a subject but insist on acting as if they are experts. This phenomenon not only harms the individuals involved but also affects organizations, institutions, and society as a whole.

The Importance of Referring to Original Documents

One major cause of mistakes in decision-making is the failure to refer to original documents. Policies and regulations are carefully crafted to ensure consistency and fairness in implementation. However, some people prefer to make assumptions rather than consult official guidelines. This behavior leads to misunderstandings, inaccurate execution, and unjust actions.

For example, in the education sector, every circular issued by the Ministry of Education is designed with clear justifications and procedures. Yet, if someone relies only on hearsay or follows common practices without consulting official documents, errors are bound to happen. Therefore, fostering a culture of referring to original documents is crucial, whether in academia, administration, or daily life.

The Culture of Reading and Understanding Guidelines

Many people take shortcuts by skimming summaries or relying on second-hand opinions without thoroughly understanding guidelines. Every organization has standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined.

Reading and understanding guidelines is not just about glancing at headlines or skimming through key points—it requires careful analysis. For instance, in school financial management, specific regulations govern procurement and spending. If someone reads only parts of the guidelines without grasping the full context, mistakes leading to non-compliance are inevitable.

As responsible individuals, we must cultivate the habit of reading thoroughly, asking questions when in doubt, and seeking clarification from credible sources before making decisions.

The Habit of Reading in Its Entirety

A significant problem in communication and comprehension arises from reading only fragments of information or relying solely on headlines. In a world flooded with information at our fingertips, many people form opinions based on headlines or social media snippets without grasping the full picture.

A habit of reading in its entirety is essential because it allows us to understand the true context of an issue before making judgments or taking action. For example, when making policy decisions in education, an officer or teacher must read the full policy, including its background, objectives, and implementation implications. Reading only selected portions can lead to misguided or irrelevant decisions.

It is not a problem if someone lacks knowledge on a subject because knowledge can always be acquired. However, making decisions or giving opinions without sufficient understanding can cause serious harm. Therefore, we must embrace the habit of referring to original documents, reading and understanding guidelines, and consuming information in its entirety before taking action.

Never be ashamed to admit what you don’t know, because acknowledging ignorance is the first step toward wisdom and integrity. Remember, not knowing is fine, but pretending to know is not!