People who know it all are well-known. That’s what they say, at any rate. When it comes to getting irritated, I’m not one of those people who react quickly. Really. The only things that annoy me are things that I’m not aware of. I’m also not easily irritated by other people’s behaviour. When I see someone online promising to make six figures in just six months, my eyebrows are raised. And, of course, I’m not a fan of people who are self-righteous. There’s no point in getting worked up over 99 per cent of the things people get worked up about. At times, I wonder: So, what? You don’t know everything about everyone, either. Knowing-it-alls are the one group of people that really irritates me. A scientist from Denmark named Piet Hein said it best: “Those who always know what’s best are a universal pest,” said the philosopher David Hume. It’s hilarious. Some people are always trying to show off their intelligence or knowledge. They make it a point to inform others whenever possible. Worst case scenario: It would be easier if you could just say yes with a nod. Nope. People who think they know everything are never short on something to say. Because they are always correct. Could you believe it? An arrogant snob who claims to know better than anyone else? It’s not going to happen in my lifetime. That’s just too much for them. Confidence or lack of it, which is it? Although the answer is simple: displaying know-it-all behaviour is a sign of insecurity. Those who believe they know everything are living in delusional worlds. In fact, I’m not the only one who despises people like this. Know-it-all irritates a lot of my co-workers and friends, and I’m no exception. At least once a day, I get an email with that question. And I get it completely. Some people are simply irritants.
Here are three methods I use to deal with people who think they know everything.
1. Keep Calm and Carry On.
Surely, this is self-evident. So, what’s the deal? Aside from being annoying, there’s a better way to deal with “know-it-alls. “The last time I was in Amsterdam, I went to a start-up conference with a friend. We were chatting with two German aspiring entrepreneurs. As a first-year founder, my friend was spilling the beans on what he’d learned. Not thinking enough about the user or launching too early are just some simple mistakes. He was simply stating his opinion on common blunders.” That’s the most obvious thing I’ve ever heard,” exclaimed one of the Germans. “Well, aren’t you a genius!” my friend sarcastically exclaimed. My friend was unfazed by the situation. Instead, he sneered at him and called him names. That’s also how I deal with nave geniuses like these.
2. Avoid “Schooling” Them
Trying to impart knowledge to someone who already knows everything is the ultimate waste of time. Worst case scenario: What a waste of time! You may be trying to help them. But pause for a moment; what exactly are you doing here? Nobody else can save them; only they have the power to do so.
3. Keep Your Distance from Them
I’ve had the pleasure of working with people from all over the world over the past few years. I enjoy getting to know people from all over the world, as well as those with a wide range of backgrounds, personalities, and experiences. When I detect a hint of a know-it-all, I run away screaming. None of the above choices ring true for me. They’re just a nuisance. Even if people think I’m rude because of my refusal to listen to their inflated stories, I don’t give a damn.
Wisdom is knowing nothing.
At the end of the day, know-it-alls are doomed to defeat. We have no choice but to avoid acting in the same manner as they do. Why? To paraphrase the great philosopher Socrates: “I am the wisest man on the planet because I know nothing,” he says. There is only one universal truth: We don’t know anything at all! Having an “I know nothing” mentality allows you to connect with people in ways you never imagined. You can truly get to know someone when you stop worrying about whether or not you’re correct. For the simple reason that? It’s enlightening to learn from others’ experiences. There is a possibility that we don’t know everything. It’s impossible to find any absolute truths in this world. That’s fine, too. As long as we are able to admit our ignorance and realise we don’t know anything, we’ll be fine.
