"The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge" by Steven Hawking. Pondering over this quote causes me to grasp more insight into knowledge. If I slightly change this quote, it will create a different perception of outcomes like, “the greatest enemy of success is not failure, but the illusion of success.” By changing ones’ perception, it will alter the illusional affect. When you grasp this concept, it allows you to comprehend the similarities with ignorance and failure as demonstrated as an illusion of knowledge and success.
The definition of illusion means misleading or the action of deceiving. Yet, my favorite definition relates with ones’ perception of something objectively that it exists in such a way as to cause the misinterpretation of its actual nature (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Therefore, one must perceive that realization exhibits a preferred outcome as intended by the viewers. Yet, when the favorable outcome eludes the viewers it may results in a misinterpretation thereof. For instance, during March Madness (NCAA Basketball Tournament of 68 teams), one team may envision achievement if they win one game, whereas another perceive fulfillment only if they win their region and become one of the final four teams. Yet, out of the 68 teams, only one will attain no loses and crowned as champion. Consequently, of the 68 teams, all 67 teams will create an illusion based on the perception of others. For instance, UMBC the No. 16 (University of Maryland Baltimore County) successfully defeated the overall No. 1 team UVA (University of Virginia) during the first round of competition. History notes that such a win has never occurred among the NCAA men competition so the perception of others revealed that UMBC reach success, even though, March Madness can only produce one winner out of 68 teams. Therefore, the lesser teams may grasp the illusion of success based on perception without becoming the NCAA champion.
Remember the axiom, “It is not whether you win or lose, it is how you play the game.” This axiom represents the illusion of success, unless the intended outcome rests in successful play instead of winning. Likewise, knowledge remains attainable when one grasp that learning occurs without the measurement of tests. You can avoid the illusion of knowledge by shifting focus on application instead of test results. You exercise learning by demonstrating it in your daily affairs or by interacting with others. So knowledge produces opportunities; whereas, illusion of knowledge serves as a misinterpretation of the learned outcome. In other words, if you failed to perceive personal growth in your educational pursuit, you validate the illusion of knowledge. Stop questioning why you are enrolled in college courses. Such questioning allows you to mask the illusion of knowledge. Therefore, seek knowledge from a continual engagement of reading, writing, and thinking with an application and again engage in reading, writing, and thinking with an application. Finally, remember your education endeavors must include reading, writing, and thinking with an application to avoid the illusion of knowledge.