Consider the Source - #6
"In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." George Orwell
Over the last five years, it’s been said that 98% of all data and information in human history has been created or reproduced. While this includes genuinely new ideas, it’s estimated that over 95% of this data is simply a regurgitation of someone else’s work. Current AI technology, for instance, generates content based on prompts by searching and combining existing information. Most would agree this isn’t exactly original thought. Similarly, our minds are shaped by inputs—things we believe to be facts.
So, why is this relevant? Because I made up those statistics, and you probably believed them, at least for a moment.
We live in a world where information flows continuously across the globe. This unprecedented availability of information has allowed us to become more informed and connected than ever before. But it raises a key question: How do we know what’s true?
Consider the Source
Experts and professionals typically have a narrow field of expertise. There’s a commercial where a husband is told to “call a pro” for a pest problem, so he calls a tennis professional. Unsurprisingly, the tennis pro is of little help and the real professional shows up.
While this is a bit ridiculous, it illustrates an important point: We need to get our information from the right sources, experts with relevant expertise.
Finally, beware of "fake experts", people with limited real-world experience or knowledge. These individuals can be harder to identify, but a little research and trusting your gut can help expose them. In today's world of social media, high follower counts don’t make someone an expert; they make them good at entertainment and marketing. Remember, there’s no such thing as a free lunch, a quick fix, or a miracle solution.
Trust but Verify
"No amount of experimentation can ever prove me right; a single experiment can prove me wrong." Albert Einstein
For those who started their careers in audit, this phrase might bring back memories, but the idea still holds true.
It’s essential to approach information with an open mind, not with cynicism. I believe that most people don’t set out to misinform or deceive; they often do so unintentionally.
I see this frequently in both my work and personal life. People don’t like to be wrong or want to sound knowledgeable, so they’ll say something they believe to be true or repeat something they heard from their brother’s friend’s cousin. You get the point.
There’s no need to call someone out on the spot (unless it’s necessary to avoid further harm), but it’s important to do your own research to determine if what they’ve said is accurate.
Keys to Finding the Truth
Build your base of experts and sources – Stick to credible sources of information. Seek medical advice from an MD, accounting advice from a CPA, or financial advice from a CFP. Ensure your other information sources leverage credible data, present complete facts, and cite their sources.
Look for corroboration – Confirm facts across multiple trustworthy sources.
Resist the urge for easy answers – Don’t be satisfied with simple explanations. Ask follow-up questions to validate the information further. The truth is often more complicated than we’d like it to be. Be wary of anyone offering simple solutions to complex problems.
Additional Resources and Thoughts
Book: Discipline is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control by Ryan Holiday - Link
I can’t recommend this series of books enough. They’re an easy read and encourage you to critically examine your life for the better.
Podcast: Dr. Jamil Zaki: How to Cultivate a Positive, Growth-Oriented Mindset – Huberman Lab - Link
Stoicism of the Day:"It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows." – Epictetus
Stay humble and open to learning. Even when you think you know something, be willing to re-examine it with fresh eyes.
Best,
Rourke