During my swim this morning, I pondered the “knowledge” I’ve amassed in life. People often admire those with vast information. Yet, the gaming world is replete with trivia champions. This made me consider: “What difference does my knowledge make?”
Alliteration always affluent; I thought of these:
- Barber Shop Knowledge
- Bootcamp Knowledge
- Building Site Knowledge
In my childhood, campaigns like “Knowledge is Power” and “Knowing is Half the Battle” trumpeted against the grain of sedentary cerebral solicitude.
Learning empowers us with tools to make changes and build futures, but wisdom transcends. And there is a difference.
A good friend and life-long mentor once told me, “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.” [Thanks, JB] This simplified example stands as a test of knowledge and its impact. Information is useful and important, but it can easily become trivia where the winner gets a gift card for wings and beer.
Imagine the information you have. Where did you get it? What have you done with it? What difference does it make? Why is it important to you? This short journal entry isn’t wisdom unfolded but a test of my understanding of where I obtain what I know and why it’s important.
Barber Shop Knowledge
I remember sitting in the barbershop with my grandfather and great-grandfather as a boy. I also spent time in the dryer chair at the beauty shop with my grandmother Tippins. In both places, I learned a lot. I learned that Mrs. Oneta had a new car, her husband was unhappy about the tires, and Mr. Adams overcharged them. The city council’s plan for a new four-way stop on Railroad Street was going to be a nightmare because, according to the locals, country folks didn’t have the intelligence to drive straight, let alone know who should go next. I suspected a front-page article on a ten-car pile-up with multiple fatalities at that intersection the next week.
I gleaned indirectly that nothing was sacred and that no matter who you were, someone had something to say about you, both good and bad. I often wondered if anyone ever talked about my grandmother when she wasn’t there or where one could talk about the barber or hairdresser.
For the most part, Barber Shop Knowledge involved listening, watching, thinking, and coming to conclusions. It wasn’t a very healthy place to learn… unless you were an anthropologist.
The Art of Barber Shop Knowledge
In the barbershop, the heart of the community pulses with the rhythm of daily life. Here, we learn the subtleties of human interaction, the unspoken truths that weave through conversations. To truly listen is to immerse oneself in the stories, the gossip, and the casual exchanges that reveal the fabric of society. This knowledge teaches us empathy and critical thinking, allowing us to see beyond words to the intentions and emotions behind them.
We have to learn to apply this wisdom by being an observer and a participant. Understand the dynamics around you, recognize the social currents, and navigate them with grace. Authenticity blooms when we listen deeply and respond with genuine understanding, bridging the gap between knowing and connecting.
Boot Camp Knowledge
When I say Boot Camp, I don’t mean military training grounds specifically. I’m using this experience as a metaphor; irony is often wasted on the stupid.
Boot Camp knowledge is when we learn by being ‘told.’ All children understand being told what to do, what to think, and what to know, and this never changes in certain careers. When you’re one or two, you learn that it’s time to use a toilet, you’re told it’s time to brush your teeth; when you’re three or four, you learn it’s time to read, then to write your name, comb your hair, and tie your shoes. This is like boot camp. You just show up, and then “poof,” you know what you need, and you are what you were trained to become.
For many, life never moves beyond childhood boot camp. We learn by just being told, and then we live in that information as enough, never contemplating other ideas.
The Rigors of Boot Camp Knowledge
Boot camp represents the structured, disciplined learning that shapes our foundational understanding. It’s the phase where we’re told what to do, how to think, and what to know. This type of knowledge is crucial in our early development, providing the building blocks for more complex thought processes.
As we grow, it’s essential to question and reflect on these learned principles. Authenticity arises when we move beyond rote learning to introspection, examining the why behind the what. Embrace boot camp lessons not just as rules to follow, but as starting points for deeper exploration and personal growth.
Building Site Knowledge
The knowledge gained from the Boot Camp and barbershop has its place. We learn society, inference, obedience, compliance, and structure. We also learn a lot about humanity and that things are not always black and white. The building site is where we pick up the bricks and do something with them. It’s where on-the-job training comes to fruition, and yes, the barbershop and Boot Camp are still there at the building site. But here, we have the opportunity to do something, to become wise literally.
Information that doesn’t build wisdom is just stuff in a box. I have some specialized tools: a wrench for installing faucets on a sink, a cutting tool for pex pipe, and a small wood-handled, free-spinning metal end hood I call a “whirlygig” for tying rebar for concrete and block construction, footers, etc. These tools are not for anything else, yet I’ve seen people using them for all manner of things. I’ve also seen people try to use inappropriate tools in areas for which they were not created—causing disaster.
Without the collective wisdom of life, we will never grow into understanding, create innovation, or experience intimacy. Without wisdom, we will always use our teeth to open the sardine can or duct tape to keep the screen door closed. We might even cut off our fingers in an attempt to cut a chain with a chainsaw. (Don’t ask)
The Wisdom of the Building Site
The building site is where theory meets practice, where knowledge is transformed into action. It’s a place of creation, innovation, and hands-on learning. Here, we apply what we’ve learned to real-world challenges, gaining wisdom through experience.
In life, this translates to living out our values and beliefs authentically. It’s about using our skills and insights to build something meaningful in our careers, relationships, or communities. Authenticity shines when we take our knowledge and turn it into tangible contributions, demonstrating our commitment to living purposefully and for the benefit of others.
Integrating Knowledge and Wisdom
Listening and Observation: Immerse yourself in the stories and experiences of others. Let empathy guide your understanding and shape your interactions, creating deeper connections and authentic relationships.
Reflective Thinking: Question and explore beyond what you’re told. Seek to understand the principles behind the instructions, which will allow you to grow and adapt in meaningful ways.
Practical Application: Apply your knowledge in real-world situations. Learn from your experiences and let them inform your wisdom. Authenticity is found in the balance of knowing and doing, thinking and acting.
Living for Others in Authenticity
True authenticity comes from a place of deep understanding and purposeful action. It’s not enough to simply know; we must also do. By listening, reflecting, and applying our knowledge, we live authentically, making a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Empathy and Connection: Use your understanding to build bridges, not walls. Engage with others sincerely, valuing their perspectives and experiences.
Purposeful Action: Let your actions reflect your values and beliefs. Strive to make a positive impact, whether in small, everyday interactions or larger community efforts.
Continuous Growth: Never stop learning. Embrace new experiences and challenges, allowing them to deepen your wisdom and enhance your authenticity.
In these ways, we learn, live, and live for others authentically. By integrating the lessons from the barber shop, the boot camp, and the building site, we transform knowledge into wisdom and action, creating a life of purpose and genuine connection.
Are you listening?