I'm just saying...when you repeat stuff and it goes bad

Someone tells you there are 20 billion stars in the sky. Hey, that's an interesting face, you think. Maybe you're lacking a little in confidence today, maybe you've just gotten a lower grade than you expected, maybe you want to dazzle your friends with a bit of knowledge. Before you rush off and share what someone has told you in passing, pause for second. Knowledge really is power. If you rush in to share what you've just heard, you may end up with egg on your face.

Consider this scenario:

You: "Wow. Did you know there are 20 billion stars in the sky?"

 

The Know It All (with pursed lips, narrowed eyes, and a derisive scowl on his/her face): "Well, actually there are something like 10¹¹ to 10¹² stars in our galaxy, and there are perhaps something like 10¹¹ or 10¹² galaxies. So, with this simple calculation you get something like 10²² to 10²⁴ stars in the Universe. This is only a rough number, as obviously not all galaxies are the same, just like on a beach the depth of sand will not be the same in different places."

 

You: Inwardly cringing and thinking, "Jeez I feel like a total idiot now."

 

Humans like to share knowledge. It's part of our human DNA. But it's not possible for one human being to know everything. We all know a bit about this and a bit about that. We retain what interests us a lot better too. You may avoid embarrassing situations by arming yourself either with the facts or the willingness to learn.

Consider this scenario:

You: "Hey, someone told me there are 20 billion stars in the sky. Does that seem right to you?"

The Know-It-All. (this time with a genuine smile on his/her face) "Well, actually there are something like 10¹¹ to 10¹² stars in our galaxy, and there are perhaps something like 10¹¹ or 10¹² galaxies. So, with this simple calculation you get something like 10²² to 10²⁴ stars in the Universe. This is only a rough number, as obviously not all galaxies are the same, just like on a beach the depth of sand will not be the same in different places."

You: "Huh. Go figure."