The feeling of not knowing everything in its entirety is a normal and natural aspect of being human. It's a recognition of the vastness and complexity of the world and the knowledge that exists within it. Here are some factors that contribute to this realization and why it can be overwhelming:
Limitations of human knowledge: As individuals, we have finite cognitive capacity, and there is an infinite amount of information in the world. No one person can know everything about everything, and that's okay.
Expanding knowledge: The body of human knowledge is constantly growing and evolving. New discoveries are made in various fields every day, leading to the expansion of what we know and sometimes challenging what we thought we knew before.
Specialization: In today's world, knowledge has become highly specialized. People tend to focus on specific fields or domains of expertise, which means they might have a deep understanding of one area but lack comprehensive knowledge in others.
Cognitive bias: Sometimes, our minds can give us the illusion that we know more than we actually do. This cognitive bias is known as the "illusion of explanatory depth," where we think we understand something better than we actually do until we are challenged to explain it thoroughly.
Information overload: In the age of technology and the internet, we have access to an overwhelming amount of information. Trying to keep up with everything can be impossible and can lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed.
Humility and curiosity: Embracing the fact that we don't know everything can be a humbling experience. However, it can also be an opportunity for curiosity and learning. The realization that there is so much to learn and discover can spark a desire to explore new ideas and knowledge.
It's essential to approach this realization with a healthy perspective. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, use it as an opportunity to embrace lifelong learning and continuous growth. Focus on the areas that interest you the most and keep an open mind to explore new subjects. Remember, the beauty of life lies in the journey of learning and discovering, rather than knowing everything there is to know.