Knowledge Sucks

I always hated those people that thought that any knowledge they had, no matter how insignificant, was by some divine consequence theirs and theirs alone. They hide it and worship it like some deranged source of power and use it whenever possible to gain advantage over others. Or hoard it for the sake of hoarding it under the guise of 'safe keeping' or 'security'. It was even a topic for discussion in school. "You will notice when you get into the IT world, any data that someone has becomes their source of power. Even if it's not even really theirs." What is this? I never understood and I could see it happening all around me.

At the same time, we resent those that vomit any little knowledge they might have with no rhyme or reason. Is it just the excitement of discovery and an overwhelming desire to share it? Inattention to social norms concerning communication? Blatant lack of regard for the world in general? Bold-faced "I'm better than you and I can prove it" bragging? Who knows?

Hopefully without approaching the word vomit threshold, I've always tried to share knowledge and not stockpile it like some type of fiend. And to listen when others had ideas to share. But then one day I experienced the devastating realization that people aren't always ready to hear things. They either use it against you, or don't understand and get upset, or go in the complete wrong direction with it. They were better off without it and now look what you've done.

I can't argue that knowledge is power. But used tactfully and thoughtfully. Not with the delicacy of a Neanderthal. But I suppose it's just another one of those things to put on the list. The "don't be that girl" list. I can't change people but at least I can avoid being like them.