People may be crudely divided into two categories: those who do, and those who talk.
In our private lives we understand the difference between these two categories and weigh them appropriately. Cousin Bob took three tours in Afghanistan, Uncle Frank sells extended drive train insurance. There is no confusion about who we would ask questions about combat.
In the big world these things are less obvious because we receive our information exclusively from those who create or relay it. Everything out there was created by those who talk.
Information isn't just information. It reflects the perspectives and motivations of those who source it.
Talkers will tend to propagate the perspectives of talkers. Doers will do and almost no-one will find out about it.
Some cultures encourage the combination of these skills; several ancient warlords were philosophers and men of letters who recorded their perspectives. Other cultures see a strong divide between them, leaving talkers in the position of teachers to the young.
When sourcing information it is worthwhile discovering whether it originates with someone who has put in the sweat or is just an charismatic talker.
Comments
Post a Comment