Don't be arrogant!

"I'd rather be ignorant than to be arrogant as a result of more knowledge." ... Jonathan Ooi

When one gets too academic about knowledge, that is where the trouble starts. He no longer seems to live in the real world but in a theoretical one. He can't think, speak and feel like the men on the street anymore. As an educator myself, I am saddened to see some teachers who behave arrogantly and self-righteously and tend to "instruct" people everywhere they go.

I think the lesson we all should learn is: No matter how high we are in the hierachy of knowledge or position, always be humble and down-to-earth and learn to connect with people with a simple and common heart.

We are not short of people who are arrogant, like to show-off or are hypocritical! I had a Chinese Singaporean friend who refused to learn and speak Chinese Language! Reason: That would make him second-class! I always think he speaks through his nose! How arrogant he is huh!

There is this Chinese equivalent, <大智若愚> = A man of great wisdom appears like a fool. In other languages and dialect, "Act Blur" (Singlish), "Buat Bodoh" (Malay), "Tenh Gong" (Hokkien), "mai Hao Lian" (Teochew) = Don't be arrogant!