Is Ignorance on Fire Ever a Good Thing? (classic video)
The following video is classic rebroadcast of my “Ivanism” Garage to Global series, hosted by Entrepreneur.com, where I expand on catch phrases I have used frequently over the years. Originally published on May 31, 2016.
I know, it’s a strange concept: “Ignorance on fire is better than knowledge on ice.” Most people read that statement and think, someone who’s excited but ignorant can do more harm than good. I’m here to tell you that the opposite of your intuition is true. That’s right–and you’ll see why below.
Ignorance on fire
One thing I have learned over the last 30 years is I can teach people how to do something.
- I can teach them how to network.
- I can’t teach them to have a good attitude.
- I can’t teach them to have a fire in your belly.
- I don’t have time to send them back to mom to get retrained.
The only thing better than ignorance on fire is knowledge on fire. So as you develop skills and you develop knowledge, don’t lose that fire. Hang on to that.
I would rather have a member in BNI who really doesn’t know how to network but they are committed versus a member who says, “Yeah, I know how to do this,” but they are not committed. Ignorance on fire is better than knowledge on ice. The only thing better than that is knowledge on fire.
I remember you at our school reunion you had such fire and drive and we’re just beginning to start the business and and you still have have that passion even now that you have accomplished so much and gone global!. I have had 4-5 failed businesses because I didn’t know how to network, I have learned through struggles, and experience somethings, but I’m still not as far as you have come,Ivan. I proud to know you from our high school days! You and another friend from a former high school have become multi millionaires!
Thank you John, I appreciate your comments very much.