Ignorance is one of the worst things plaguing the world today. Too many think they know things, when they do not really know anything. This scenario puts reasonable people into situations where they have had to play “the ignorant.” It is a sad state of affairs when people feel they have to act ignorant to avoid being pulled into drama.

Ignorance is not bliss. The following story explains it all.

It all started on a bright, sunny Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Philips, a wealthy businessman, decided to employ an intelligent and honest young graduate to fill the vacant position of general manager, in his head office. To be sure he chose the right candidate, Mr. Phillips asked each candidate a simple question about himself.

The first candidate to be tested entered the office and learned that Mr. Philips is a blind man. When he was asked to describe Mr. Philips, the candidate mentioned everything except for his blindness. He was afraid this might make Mr. Philips not want to employ him.

Unbeknownst to this candidate, Mr. Philips is interested in offering the position to a candidate who is not afraid of being openly honest and true to themselves. After all, this person, who would be employed by Mr. Phillips, would be representing himself and the company.

If it were you, who would you rather be: The one who plays the ignorant, to avoid embarrassing Mr. Philips, or the one who is openly honest, even at the risk of not being awarded the job?

Unfortunately, every other candidate decided to play the ignorant, except the 1oth candidate, who eventually got the position, to the amusement of the others.

The morale of this story is to always be confident in speaking the truth, in the most polite way, of course. Do not pretend to not notice something, for your own personal gain.

Just tell it as it is! Mr. Philips could read each candidate’s expression, before asking them to describe him and alas, they failed to mention the obvious.

Written by Lola John
Edited by Jeanette Smith

Featured Image Courtesy of Surian Soosay’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License