When Culture can Kill you... literally

The Ethical Lexicon #19: Turn self-doubt into your next big breakthrough

Socrates said that you don't know what you don't know.

That's okay, unless you think that pretending that you know enough will protect you from the consequences of ignorance.

After that, it's a short step from being a danger to yourself and becoming a threat to others. Not to mention those who might have benefited from the knowledge you willfully suppressed.

So why are we afraid of knowledge?

I frequently quote my college English Professor, Max Byrd:

"I've never understood why people complain about being disillusioned. I would be grateful for the opportunity to be relieved of my illusions."

But that takes curiosity. And courage. And integrity. All of which are in short supply.

If knowledge is power, how should we describe the suppression of knowledge?

When we seek truth, we don't have to be afraid of what we find. Because even when the truth is inconvenient in the short run, it unlocks the doors to success and well-being in the long run.

Find out how in this week's column in Fast Company.