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  3. How reading books could (likely will) destroy your career

How reading books could (likely will) destroy your career

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  • R Offline
    R Offline
    raddevus
    wrote on last edited by
    #1

    The more books you read, the more you learn. However, since most people don't actually read beyond secondary school (and definitely not beyond University) it is quite possible that you will know things that the unread do not know. However, since there are more unread people than people who have actually researched and learned you will be in the minority. And since the minority is aka "The Fringe" your ideas will be considered garbage. And, since the unread mass is a mosh-pit of humanity, it is statistically probable that one of those unread people will be your manager. That manager will tell you what to do and then you will question it since you've read 4 books on the subject. Then you'll argue and say, "but, Ive read 4 books on the subject" That's when the manager will look down his nose and say, "But who's in charge here?" Much better to just sit back and doom scroll. :rolleyes:

    J S A D S 12 Replies Last reply
    0
    • R raddevus

      The more books you read, the more you learn. However, since most people don't actually read beyond secondary school (and definitely not beyond University) it is quite possible that you will know things that the unread do not know. However, since there are more unread people than people who have actually researched and learned you will be in the minority. And since the minority is aka "The Fringe" your ideas will be considered garbage. And, since the unread mass is a mosh-pit of humanity, it is statistically probable that one of those unread people will be your manager. That manager will tell you what to do and then you will question it since you've read 4 books on the subject. Then you'll argue and say, "but, Ive read 4 books on the subject" That's when the manager will look down his nose and say, "But who's in charge here?" Much better to just sit back and doom scroll. :rolleyes:

      J Offline
      J Offline
      Jeremy Falcon
      wrote on last edited by
      #2

      Actually, there's a lot of truth to this. To just assume for now that an intelligent person reads... If you're too far on the high end of the intelligence spectrum and speak in a manner that would be commensurate (as defined by whatever markers society tends to agree on insofar as to what intelligence is), then you're going to lose most people. They say genius and crazy are two sides of the same coin. Both are not understood by the average person, so for all intents and purposes it may as well be. Since human relationships are all about a connection, good luck with that. The trick is to learn to communicate with those who do not poses the same markers anyway and just accept the fact the role of a real genius is a lonely one. Maybe you'll get lucky and every now and again run into someone you can fully engage with. Don't hold your breath. The vast, vast majority of folks all assume they're smart.

      Jeremy Falcon

      R Mike HankeyM S D 5 Replies Last reply
      0
      • R raddevus

        The more books you read, the more you learn. However, since most people don't actually read beyond secondary school (and definitely not beyond University) it is quite possible that you will know things that the unread do not know. However, since there are more unread people than people who have actually researched and learned you will be in the minority. And since the minority is aka "The Fringe" your ideas will be considered garbage. And, since the unread mass is a mosh-pit of humanity, it is statistically probable that one of those unread people will be your manager. That manager will tell you what to do and then you will question it since you've read 4 books on the subject. Then you'll argue and say, "but, Ive read 4 books on the subject" That's when the manager will look down his nose and say, "But who's in charge here?" Much better to just sit back and doom scroll. :rolleyes:

        J Offline
        J Offline
        Jeremy Falcon
        wrote on last edited by
        #3

        Oh, and it takes a genius to spot a genius. Don't ever believe otherwise.

        Jeremy Falcon

        1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • J Jeremy Falcon

          Actually, there's a lot of truth to this. To just assume for now that an intelligent person reads... If you're too far on the high end of the intelligence spectrum and speak in a manner that would be commensurate (as defined by whatever markers society tends to agree on insofar as to what intelligence is), then you're going to lose most people. They say genius and crazy are two sides of the same coin. Both are not understood by the average person, so for all intents and purposes it may as well be. Since human relationships are all about a connection, good luck with that. The trick is to learn to communicate with those who do not poses the same markers anyway and just accept the fact the role of a real genius is a lonely one. Maybe you'll get lucky and every now and again run into someone you can fully engage with. Don't hold your breath. The vast, vast majority of folks all assume they're smart.

          Jeremy Falcon

          R Offline
          R Offline
          raddevus
          wrote on last edited by
          #4

          Yes, it is definitely the paradox of humanity. The people who are smartest and know what best to do may not be the people who can communicate it clearly. The people who communicate things clearly may only be able to do so because they glide over the complexity of the issue. I'd rather have the surgeon who is lower on communication and better on skills. :laugh: And, besides, my belief is...

          someone said

          If you can't explain it clearly, then you don't understand it.

          J L 2 Replies Last reply
          0
          • R raddevus

            The more books you read, the more you learn. However, since most people don't actually read beyond secondary school (and definitely not beyond University) it is quite possible that you will know things that the unread do not know. However, since there are more unread people than people who have actually researched and learned you will be in the minority. And since the minority is aka "The Fringe" your ideas will be considered garbage. And, since the unread mass is a mosh-pit of humanity, it is statistically probable that one of those unread people will be your manager. That manager will tell you what to do and then you will question it since you've read 4 books on the subject. Then you'll argue and say, "but, Ive read 4 books on the subject" That's when the manager will look down his nose and say, "But who's in charge here?" Much better to just sit back and doom scroll. :rolleyes:

            S Offline
            S Offline
            Slacker007
            wrote on last edited by
            #5

            It's way more than just corporate world. Governments cannot completely control the people it governs if they are: -- Educated -- Gun owners It is my opinion that most Governments at least mine, wishes everyone was retarded. They are already in the process of removing gun ownership. Welcome to the new age.

            J S D H G 5 Replies Last reply
            0
            • J Jeremy Falcon

              Actually, there's a lot of truth to this. To just assume for now that an intelligent person reads... If you're too far on the high end of the intelligence spectrum and speak in a manner that would be commensurate (as defined by whatever markers society tends to agree on insofar as to what intelligence is), then you're going to lose most people. They say genius and crazy are two sides of the same coin. Both are not understood by the average person, so for all intents and purposes it may as well be. Since human relationships are all about a connection, good luck with that. The trick is to learn to communicate with those who do not poses the same markers anyway and just accept the fact the role of a real genius is a lonely one. Maybe you'll get lucky and every now and again run into someone you can fully engage with. Don't hold your breath. The vast, vast majority of folks all assume they're smart.

              Jeremy Falcon

              Mike HankeyM Offline
              Mike HankeyM Offline
              Mike Hankey
              wrote on last edited by
              #6

              The trick is learning to "talk" at all levels, depending on the audience.

              Give me coffee to change the things I can and wine for those I can not! PartsBin an Electronics Part Organizer - An updated version available! JaxCoder.com Latest Article: Simon Says, A Child's Game

              R 1 Reply Last reply
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              • Mike HankeyM Mike Hankey

                The trick is learning to "talk" at all levels, depending on the audience.

                Give me coffee to change the things I can and wine for those I can not! PartsBin an Electronics Part Organizer - An updated version available! JaxCoder.com Latest Article: Simon Says, A Child's Game

                R Offline
                R Offline
                raddevus
                wrote on last edited by
                #7

                Mike Hankey wrote:

                The trick is learning to "talk" at all levels, depending on the audience.

                Agree 100%!!! It's just that you can't beat the Belief-System the person holds. If they "think" a thing is caused by "thing1" you cannot convince them otherwise. Because they've read it on the Internet and they know. :rolleyes:

                J 1 Reply Last reply
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                • R raddevus

                  Yes, it is definitely the paradox of humanity. The people who are smartest and know what best to do may not be the people who can communicate it clearly. The people who communicate things clearly may only be able to do so because they glide over the complexity of the issue. I'd rather have the surgeon who is lower on communication and better on skills. :laugh: And, besides, my belief is...

                  someone said

                  If you can't explain it clearly, then you don't understand it.

                  J Offline
                  J Offline
                  Jeremy Falcon
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #8

                  raddevus wrote:

                  If you can't explain it clearly, then you don't understand it.

                  Touché, my good man. Ther person I attribute that line to (right or wrong) is Einstein btw.

                  Einstein wrote:

                  If you can't explain it to a six-year-old, you don't understand it yourself.

                  Jeremy Falcon

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • R raddevus

                    Mike Hankey wrote:

                    The trick is learning to "talk" at all levels, depending on the audience.

                    Agree 100%!!! It's just that you can't beat the Belief-System the person holds. If they "think" a thing is caused by "thing1" you cannot convince them otherwise. Because they've read it on the Internet and they know. :rolleyes:

                    J Offline
                    J Offline
                    Jeremy Falcon
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #9

                    raddevus wrote:

                    It's just that you can't beat the Belief-System the person holds.

                    No matter what they say, all humans need a sense of continuity on par with whatever their intelligence perceives. Things can change. But the further down (or up) the st00pid scale you go the harder it is because the last thing a person who doesn't exercise their mind will do... is exercise their mind. :laugh:

                    Jeremy Falcon

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • S Slacker007

                      It's way more than just corporate world. Governments cannot completely control the people it governs if they are: -- Educated -- Gun owners It is my opinion that most Governments at least mine, wishes everyone was retarded. They are already in the process of removing gun ownership. Welcome to the new age.

                      J Offline
                      J Offline
                      Jeremy Falcon
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #10

                      Preach brother. A government's worst nightmare is an insurrection. However, things do not change without conflict. Can't get your conflict on if you're weak, dependent, and stupid. Weak people seek power. History repeats because we don't learn as a species so easily. It's just human nature... Just like the markets human nature is cyclic.

                      Jeremy Falcon

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • S Slacker007

                        It's way more than just corporate world. Governments cannot completely control the people it governs if they are: -- Educated -- Gun owners It is my opinion that most Governments at least mine, wishes everyone was retarded. They are already in the process of removing gun ownership. Welcome to the new age.

                        S Offline
                        S Offline
                        StarNamer work
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #11

                        Slacker007 wrote:

                        Governments cannot completely control the people it governs if they are: -- Educated -- Gun owners

                        Unfortunately, these are often two disjoint sets. :)

                        Mircea NeacsuM 1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • S StarNamer work

                          Slacker007 wrote:

                          Governments cannot completely control the people it governs if they are: -- Educated -- Gun owners

                          Unfortunately, these are often two disjoint sets. :)

                          Mircea NeacsuM Offline
                          Mircea NeacsuM Offline
                          Mircea Neacsu
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #12

                          StarNamer@work wrote:

                          UnFortunately, these are often two disjoint sets. :)

                          FTFY

                          Mircea

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • R raddevus

                            The more books you read, the more you learn. However, since most people don't actually read beyond secondary school (and definitely not beyond University) it is quite possible that you will know things that the unread do not know. However, since there are more unread people than people who have actually researched and learned you will be in the minority. And since the minority is aka "The Fringe" your ideas will be considered garbage. And, since the unread mass is a mosh-pit of humanity, it is statistically probable that one of those unread people will be your manager. That manager will tell you what to do and then you will question it since you've read 4 books on the subject. Then you'll argue and say, "but, Ive read 4 books on the subject" That's when the manager will look down his nose and say, "But who's in charge here?" Much better to just sit back and doom scroll. :rolleyes:

                            A Offline
                            A Offline
                            Amarnath S
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #13

                            One exception - the teaching profession.

                            D P 2 Replies Last reply
                            0
                            • S Slacker007

                              It's way more than just corporate world. Governments cannot completely control the people it governs if they are: -- Educated -- Gun owners It is my opinion that most Governments at least mine, wishes everyone was retarded. They are already in the process of removing gun ownership. Welcome to the new age.

                              D Offline
                              D Offline
                              Daniel Pfeffer
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #14

                              Slacker007 wrote:

                              most Governments at least mine, wishes everyone was retarded

                              They would rather people be idiots savant - highly educated, but totally uninvolved in politics. This gives the Government the best of both worlds: a high GDP that can be taxed, and no interference from the Great Unwashed.

                              Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows. -- 6079 Smith W.

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • A Amarnath S

                                One exception - the teaching profession.

                                D Offline
                                D Offline
                                Daniel Pfeffer
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #15

                                I've known quite a few teachers who were educated beyond their abilities. They may have read the book, but they sure as hell didn't understand it. :sigh:

                                Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows. -- 6079 Smith W.

                                N 1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • S Slacker007

                                  It's way more than just corporate world. Governments cannot completely control the people it governs if they are: -- Educated -- Gun owners It is my opinion that most Governments at least mine, wishes everyone was retarded. They are already in the process of removing gun ownership. Welcome to the new age.

                                  H Offline
                                  H Offline
                                  haughtonomous
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #16

                                  You have to be stupid to believe that gun ownership is actually a good thing.

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • R raddevus

                                    The more books you read, the more you learn. However, since most people don't actually read beyond secondary school (and definitely not beyond University) it is quite possible that you will know things that the unread do not know. However, since there are more unread people than people who have actually researched and learned you will be in the minority. And since the minority is aka "The Fringe" your ideas will be considered garbage. And, since the unread mass is a mosh-pit of humanity, it is statistically probable that one of those unread people will be your manager. That manager will tell you what to do and then you will question it since you've read 4 books on the subject. Then you'll argue and say, "but, Ive read 4 books on the subject" That's when the manager will look down his nose and say, "But who's in charge here?" Much better to just sit back and doom scroll. :rolleyes:

                                    D Offline
                                    D Offline
                                    Dave B 68
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #17

                                    If you are choosing to spend the opportunity cost of reading books that don't improve your ability to show value to your current or future employer, then your destroyed career wasn't the decision to read, it was your choice of what you read.

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • A Amarnath S

                                      One exception - the teaching profession.

                                      P Offline
                                      P Offline
                                      Peter Shaw
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #18

                                      Dont count on it!! I decided some years ago to have a crack at teaching here in the UK, so I started doing the required courses and exams towards becoming a full time teacher, initially in post 21 and adult education. As part of one of the courses, I was placed for some "work experience" in one of the local colleges, teaching I.T. and helping adult learners who'd had very little exposure to computers at that point, learn how to use them in a productive means in general life. Up to this point, it's worth noting, I'd already been in the I.T industry for about 20 years, I already have a BSC with honours in various computing subjects (One of which is digital electronics & robotics), and among the jobs I'd had to that point so far, I'd worked in a "System Admin" role, "Computer Shop Technician" role and "Software Development". Point here is, I had a very good grasp on a number of different I.T related disciplines AND I was used to dealing with "Non Technical" people (Managers and the general public alike), so my plan was very obviously to go in with the intention of teaching I.T subjects. When I got to the college I'd been assigned too, I was stuck in front of a class, told NOT to bother creating a lesson plan, and that everything I'd been taught would be thrown out the window. I had a large A4 binder dumped in front of me, and was clearly told... you start at the beginning, you teach everything the binder tells you to teach, how it tells you to teach it when it tells you to teach it, no exceptions. One of the learners in my class has severe arthritis in one of her hands, so I came up with a better way for her to hold a mouse that was more comfortable for her, she even commented this was the first time in forever she was able to make use of a computer comfortably, I even made a plastic bracket and modified the mouse slightly... the college management hauled me over the coals for it. On another occasion, I had an existing teacher interrupt me and correct me repeatedly in front of my class, when I tried to answer questions asked of me, using my own knowledge, this other teacher (who followed the college rules) tried to make out that I had no idea what I was on about. I was supposed to be placed at this assignment for 6 months, I walked after just 3. I was talking to a friend who was a secondary school teacher, some weeks later, and he basically said to me, this is not at all uncommon, even in secondary school level, and junior & infant school teachers don't even get picked on subject/skill l

                                      A J 2 Replies Last reply
                                      0
                                      • R raddevus

                                        Yes, it is definitely the paradox of humanity. The people who are smartest and know what best to do may not be the people who can communicate it clearly. The people who communicate things clearly may only be able to do so because they glide over the complexity of the issue. I'd rather have the surgeon who is lower on communication and better on skills. :laugh: And, besides, my belief is...

                                        someone said

                                        If you can't explain it clearly, then you don't understand it.

                                        L Offline
                                        L Offline
                                        Lost User
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #19

                                        The great Richard Feynman said that.

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • P Peter Shaw

                                          Dont count on it!! I decided some years ago to have a crack at teaching here in the UK, so I started doing the required courses and exams towards becoming a full time teacher, initially in post 21 and adult education. As part of one of the courses, I was placed for some "work experience" in one of the local colleges, teaching I.T. and helping adult learners who'd had very little exposure to computers at that point, learn how to use them in a productive means in general life. Up to this point, it's worth noting, I'd already been in the I.T industry for about 20 years, I already have a BSC with honours in various computing subjects (One of which is digital electronics & robotics), and among the jobs I'd had to that point so far, I'd worked in a "System Admin" role, "Computer Shop Technician" role and "Software Development". Point here is, I had a very good grasp on a number of different I.T related disciplines AND I was used to dealing with "Non Technical" people (Managers and the general public alike), so my plan was very obviously to go in with the intention of teaching I.T subjects. When I got to the college I'd been assigned too, I was stuck in front of a class, told NOT to bother creating a lesson plan, and that everything I'd been taught would be thrown out the window. I had a large A4 binder dumped in front of me, and was clearly told... you start at the beginning, you teach everything the binder tells you to teach, how it tells you to teach it when it tells you to teach it, no exceptions. One of the learners in my class has severe arthritis in one of her hands, so I came up with a better way for her to hold a mouse that was more comfortable for her, she even commented this was the first time in forever she was able to make use of a computer comfortably, I even made a plastic bracket and modified the mouse slightly... the college management hauled me over the coals for it. On another occasion, I had an existing teacher interrupt me and correct me repeatedly in front of my class, when I tried to answer questions asked of me, using my own knowledge, this other teacher (who followed the college rules) tried to make out that I had no idea what I was on about. I was supposed to be placed at this assignment for 6 months, I walked after just 3. I was talking to a friend who was a secondary school teacher, some weeks later, and he basically said to me, this is not at all uncommon, even in secondary school level, and junior & infant school teachers don't even get picked on subject/skill l

                                          A Offline
                                          A Offline
                                          Amarnath S
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #20

                                          I've had a different experience in India. Mine is a similar case, about 20 years in the technology industry, and after that, taught a few semesters in an autonomous institution - three subjects - Medical Imaging, Biomechanics and Dynamics of Machines (I have a Mechanical Engineering background). In two of the cases, I had the freedom to decide the syllabus, in consultation with the Head of the Department, and teach and evaluate the students. I was the person deciding each slide of the PPT presentations, and the seminar topics which the students had to present for 15 minutes each, as part of the assessment. There was a lot of academic freedom in conducting the courses. Now, I'm leading a retired life (since 2018), and teaching high school mathematics to students near my house, and have full freedom in what problems to teach them, as per the overall guidelines set by the Curriculum committee. Of course I make sure that they are able to answer well in their class and board exams.

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