On knowing wtf is going on

No one can be an expert in all things. Often it is nearly impossible to be an expert in one thing. And even experts in one thing don't all there is to know about their field. There is always more to know.

In addition, in our civilization with its constantly expanding information, there are other specialized fields which can relate to each other in ways even experts won't have the foggiest notion of.

An example of this is from DNA research and linguistics. Two entirely different fields. Yet methods developed in tracking the changes in language over time, have proven very useful in determining and tracking the changes in DNA over time. This has led to further advances in the knowledge of history. By tracking a specific species of human parasite, body lice, we have been able to determine when they split off from the common louse. Body lice require clothing in order to survive. Therefore, we know the point at which humanity started wearing clothing - about 100,000 years ago.

Would any of the individual experts have had any idea of this, until they started pooling everything? No.

So, experts don't know everything.

On the other hand, experts in any given fields know far more than you or I.

A lot of people carry the consultations of experts to unhealthy extremes. Some people place absolute and total faith in experts, while others place no trust in experts whatsoever if they conflict with their "gut instincts".

But gut feelings only work in fields where the gut-feeler is an expert. Think about it. If we didn't know the world was round, our gut instincts would tell us it was flat. And also that the sun revolves around the Earth.

So what is an individual to do, with so much information and not enough time in life - let alone interest - to become familiar with every single field?

On anything of importance, ALWAYS consult with MULTIPLE experts. And especially if someone who claims to be an expert is attempting to influence you towards a specific action.

Do this even if - **especially** if - this action hinges on knowledge that you consider yourself an expert of.

In the end, we can only guess that even God knows everything. We certainly don't. So we must make the best call we can with the information we have, and then move on. No matter what counsel we receive, and whichever choice you make, the responsibility for that choice is *yours*.

Other animals don't beat themselves up for past choices. They don't feel sorry for themselves. It would be great for us human animals to use our brains to remember: we don't have to either.