“When we say we know what we are talking about, we mean that we know what we think about something, rather than knowing the facts”
— Ian McEwan
Simplified Meaning:
Sometimes, when people say they understand something, they really mean they know how they feel about it, not that they have all the facts. For example, imagine a person who says they know a movie is bad. What they are really saying is they didn't like the movie, not that they have detailed reasons or data to prove it was poorly made. In daily life, this happens a lot. Someone might argue that a certain food is unhealthy just because they don't like it, without really knowing the nutritional facts. To apply this idea, try to recognize when your opinions might be based on feelings rather than facts. Before making a strong statement, take a moment to check if you have enough information or if it's just your personal view. This way, discussions and decisions can be more balanced and based on true understanding.