What Do I Know (And What Don't I Know)?

The phrase "you don't know what you don't know" -- YDKWYDK in Gen Z lingo -- has become increasingly prevalent in philosophical and politico-economic debates. YDKWYDK is a modernized version of the Socratic paradox, "I know that I know nothing." Coming from the wily old sage, it was an acknowledgment of the limits of human knowledge and the existence of unknown unknowns -- things we are not even aware that we do not know. Today, YDKWYDK is often used as a rhetorical device to dismiss opposing viewpoints or justify one's own lack of knowledge. It is the retort of choice against anyone who is critical of, or raises questions about, the status quo. In this sense, YDKWYDK is defensive, un-Socratic, and far from humility.

When Socrates asserted that he knew "nothing," he was not retreating into ignorance but inviting his interlocutor to inquiry and understanding. YDKWYDK has unfortunately devolved from a call for humility into a rhetorical shield, often deployed to deflect criticism, justify ignorance, undermine expertise, and stifle discourse. Rather than admitting to a lack of knowledge and seeking to learn, some invoke the phrase as a bromide to justify remaining uninformed. Others use it to cast doubt on expert opinions, suggesting that even specialists might be unaware of crucial information. The ultimate goal is to thwart discourse by implying that further discussion is futile due to unknown factors. Ironically, the champions of YDKWYDKW are typically members of the status quo who work out relentlessly on the corporate treadmill, to fuel a consumptive life in a carefully constructed bubble, while remaining oblivious to the "unknown factors" that are malfunctioning, disintegrating, and suffering in plain sight.

How can we do better? Let us not dismiss those who question the status quo, for in questioning lies the potential for growth and enlightenment. Instead of using YDKWYDK as a conversation-ender, we should view it as a starting point for inquiry and learning. By approaching discussions with humility, curiosity, and a commitment to evidence-based reasoning, we can create more meaningful and productive dialogues on questions that matter to us. Let us engage in dialogue and examine the foundations of our beliefs and the boundaries of our knowledge. Ultimately, acknowledging our ignorance should inspire us to learn more, not to retreat into complacency or skepticism. We may find that the true path to wisdom is not in clinging to what is known, but in the relentless pursuit of what is yet to be discovered.