When Moderation Is Preferable Over Showcasing Knowledge

The adage that it is better to show by doing rather than by saying could not be more relevant in today's interconnected world. This article explores the nuances of sharing knowledge and emphasizes the importance of discretion when disclosing personal and professional information.

Reserving Information for Security and Privacy

It is essential to withhold certain types of information, particularly when it pertains to personal and sensitive data. This includes:

Real names of individuals mentioned in online stories Full name, phone number, address, names of teachers, first car, favorite locations, names of best friends, and verbatim conversations

Such information is often used for security and identity verification purposes by various applications. Moreover, sharing personal data can lead to security breaches or identity theft, which underscores the importance of discretion.

Constructive Communication and Understanding

Adopting a constructive rather than destructive approach to communication is beneficial. If you have nothing constructive to contribute, it is advisable to refrain from commenting. Instead, focus on offering value and solutions that resonate with your audience.

Protecting Your Ideas and Intellectual Property

If you have ideas that could benefit you in the long run, it is often best to keep them to yourself until you can execute them. This strategy helps protect your intellectual property and prevents others from stealing your ideas. While you can demonstrate your knowledge through your skills, sharing your ideas prematurely could lead to unwanted consequences.

A Personal Narrative: Living a Diverse Life

I am a 68-year-old Silicon Valley engineer with a deep educational background. Fluent in three languages—English, Spanish, and Italian—and capable of reading classical Latin, my life has been marked by extensive travel and a diverse array of experiences. Most notably, I graduated first in my class with a M.S. in Computer Science from Texas AM University in 1976.

Throughout my life, I have often chosen to downplay my intelligence to make others feel more comfortable around me. This approach has been crucial in maintaining friendly relationships. By not showing off my knowledge, I avoid being perceived as arrogant or condescending.

For the majority of my life, I have pretended to be on the same intellectual level as the people around me. This has allowed me to focus on practical demonstrations of my skills rather than mere boasting about them. However, it has come at the cost of not being able to discuss the subjects that truly interest me with those who share my interests.

Despite this, I have found a way to connect with my family members and loved ones, who also possess a wealth of knowledge and education. This avenue has allowed me to share my passion for mathematics, physics, engineering, linguistics, philosophy, poetry, psychology, and classical music, among others.

Conclusion

Moderation is key when it comes to sharing knowledge. While it is admirable to showcase your intellectual capabilities, doing so at the expense of personal relationships and security is counterproductive. Adopt a balanced approach that allows you to demonstrate your skills while also maintaining a harmonious environment for those around you.