I could write a book on that

I’ve often made the statement, “I could write a book on that.” I’ve only recently, for no reason that I’m consciously aware of, started thinking about what that sounds like to others when I say that… Possibly offensive? I’m not sure yet if I even really care… but I might?

From my perspective, this has always meant something like: “I have a lot of knowledge on it. I’ve read a lot of books about it. My brain is full of a bunch of things concerning it, and we could either have a 10 hour conversation about it, or I could just write a book.”

I love writing – more so than I love talking, by far – so this actually seems logical to me.

Also, most often when I’m saying this I usually am feeling something like, “All this knowledge is fairly useless to me at this point as well.” I don’t always mean that, but often I do.

I wonder if this reflects on my view of books? I hope not, yet, so far in my life I’ve read the equivalent of hundreds of books and much of what I have to show for it is just knowledge that doesn’t too deeply affect the everyday life of me or those around me. But back to the point…

I recently have pondered what it sounds like when I say this. I think what’s made me ponder it the most is that I’ve said it in the presence of men I respect, admire, and appreciate, but quite frankly, they couldn’t “write a book on it” as far as the subject being discussed.

So then I’ve wondered, “What would I think if a younger guy was saying this around me?” “What if it was someone I’ve mentored and he thinks he knows more than me now?” “What if he really did know more than me?” “Would I feel insignificant?” “Would I be mad at him?” “Would I think he’s a pretentious prick?”

I’ve pondered this, but the truth is, I don’t know. It feels like it would likely be dependent on who is saying it, and that doesn’t seem right and good at all. Yet, perhaps that’s the reality of it.

I’d hope that I’d be proud of that young guy and not think to myself, “Good grief, he has no idea that he sounds like an idiot” when maybe I should be thinking, “Wow I like his spunk and I reckon I have no excuse for not having that knowledge as well. I should look into it more. I should ask him about it.”

The truth is, I have no idea what I’m supposed to think about this.

Is a young man supposed to feel like he needs to “tone it down” just because the older men aren’t “toned up” in regards to that subject?

I can hear it now, “Yea, they call that being humble” …but is it really?

Is it humble to play smaller than you are just to not make others realize they aren’t as big in an area?

I acknowledge that some people get late starts. Some people have different childhoods, opportunities, difficulties in their circumstances, etc., and they just don’t have the time or ability to soak in knowledge on every topic under the sun.

“They’re working harder than you ever have, or ever would, actually. It just looks different than your life.”

Perhaps they are. Perhaps they’re more responsible, better stewards of their life and resources, and still better lovers of their families and people around them. A better man in every way, just without the luxury to read as many books and not have responsibilities that keep him from “writing a book on a topic.”

Okay.

I have to believe that if that were true, then that person would be the first to step up and say, “Hey I actually don’t know much about this, could we grab some time for you to tell me about and teach me what you know?”

Just like I would be expected to ask the same from him on loving his family, working hard, and overcoming difficulties in life.

Just like that.

Oh how I would love to be a part of a culture that encourages everyone to know who they are and be who they are to the maximum extent of their capabilities without anyone feeling threatened or insignificant because of another. 

Yet, this is only possible when everyone is, with contentedness, being all they can be. Otherwise, we’ll always try to drag each other down… it’s just our natural desire.