Becoming Aware Of Knowledge

Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know. Until you come up against new information, you have no idea that you were ignorant. Sure, there are subjects that I can confidently say that I know nothing about: engineering, haute couture, mining, and the history of Malaysia, to name just a very few. I’m comfortable knowing that there will always be a vast number of things that will be beyond my knowledge. But, how do I find the things that I really do want to know about, if I’m unaware that its something I’d want to learn about? 

Informational Texts

This is where nonfiction books and podcasts have really added to my life and helped me to see some of the areas of which I was unaware. A book recommendation from a friend sent me into a world of botany and Indigenous knowledge that I was unfamiliar with when I read, Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer*.  A memoir from Australian comedian, Hannah Gadsby, Ten Steps To Nanette**, taught me about the tremendous challenges of growing up gay and autistic in a hostile community. Dr  Marisa G. Franco’s, Platonic***, dispelled common misunderstandings, with her research into how we make and keep friends as adults. Each book, opened a door to new areas that I will continue to explore, now that I know the door is there.

Learning From Podcasts

Podcasts have also become important in my education. A podcast is a conversation between people. By listening to Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown**** during the pandemic, I developed more compassion as I became aware of the many ways we struggle with our mental health. I added We Can Do Hard Things***** to my regular podcast listening after struggling with my anxiety as the pandemic wore on. The guests who are interviewed on the podcasts lead me to explore their books and my education journey expanded.

Staying Curious

With each new area that I discover, I gain a better understanding of myself, my community and the world. I gather new vocabulary to help me talk to others about social and personal issues. Without the words, how can we communicate effectively and make positive changes? We can’t.  I’m staying curious and learning.

What podcasts and books have opened new doors for you? Comment below.

---

I borrow audio and digital copies of books from the public library.

*https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/17465709

**https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/40588534. Listen to the audio book because Gadsby’s timing and narration are excellent. Gadsby also has three Netflix specials: Nanette, Douglas and Something Special.

*** https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/platonic-how-the-science-of/9780593331897-item.html

Podcasts are free and available on-line.

****https://www.bialikbreakdown.com/

*****https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-can-do-hard-things-with-glennon-doyle/id1564530722

---