Montaigne: The Power of “I don’t know”

Facing up to our own ignorance is surprisingly empowering

The Impressionists painted the world as they experienced it: impressions of light and shade. Michel de Montaigne understood that we have no access to an ultimate truth or truths; no clear picture of the way things really are. We only have our impressions of the world as the basis for our reason. Painting: Claude Monet, Impression, Sunrise, 1872. (source: Wikipedia)

A high profile financial commentator was invited to speak on a network television show. As he was readying himself for his appearance, the producer said to him, “whatever you do — don’t ever, ever say ‘I don’t know’. If you say that, we’ll never ask you back.”