A Know-It-All vs. Someone Who Knows A lot

Do you recall being young, assuming you know everything? Your parents were informing you about something as you simultaneously rolled your eyes, replying with "I know." The truth is if you knew, then you wouldn't have to be reminded. Once you reach the point you don't know enough not be reminded, you have accomplished true growth by always being a student to life. We all know someone who is a "Know-It-All". They usually stop us mid sentence to assure us they are fully informed or totally lead the conversation with what seems to be their unlimited knowledge. The issue is they never seem to admit the fault in the capacity of their mind, for they do not know everything there is to know. Hopefully, they experience the transformation from being someone with much to contain to being a conduit to receive and give to others.

Let's use Marvel's Tony Stark for example. If you've watched the entire MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) up until today, then you've seen all Iron Man movies. You should be quite familiar with Tony's narcissistic personality. Being considered one of the smartest if not the smartest person on earth doesn't help deflate his ego. It is in Iron Man 2 where we see Tony at the height of his success as Iron Man. He's confronted by the government for being a hazard to society because of his seemingly reckless behavior. Tony justifies his actions by comparing himself to the negative threats in the world, providing concrete evidence to support his point of view. He walks away from the hearing untouched, laughing in the face of those who contest his methods and his character. Ironically, Tony Stark is challenged by Whiplash who literally makes Tony bleed, exposing his humanism. Tony thought he was the only one capable of utilizing his technology in such a unique way. He was proven wrong by someone with far less resources. If that's not humbling, I don't now what is.

Fast forward to Avengers: Endgame. Tony and the other Avengers are trying to undo the damage Thanos did in Avengers: Infinity War. Tony is at his most vulnerable state, not sure of how things are going to work out or even if he'll make it out alive. During a fight scene , Tony is informed by Dr. Strange that out of 14 million possibilities, there's only one way they defeat Thanos. Dr. Strange assures Tony that if he tells him what it is, it won't come to pass. Perplexed, Tony proceeds, hoping that eventually, he fulfils the outcome that promises victory. Keep in mind, this is the same guy that invented a new element for his suit in Iron Man 2. This is the same guy who was too selfish and self-involved to run his own company, eventually handing it over to Pepper Potts. How do you go from a mastermind who can build anything to not knowing how to save yourself...or even the world?

Tony Stark knew at this point that he indeed knew a lot...but not enough to have an answer to the most important question: How will this end? After noticing a pending defeat in the presence of Thanos and his army, he looks to Dr. Strange to signal if the one possibility was still on the table. Dr. Strange confirms it, causing Tony to make a decision. It was during that moment that Tony thought to himself, I may not know what's going to happen, but I do know I must do something. So, he did. He captured the stones, undid Thanos' damage, jeopardizing his own life. This was something Tony couldn't come back from, but he died knowing the best knowledge to have is knowing there's still much to learn. Tony knew the livelihood of his daughter, his wife and everyone else was worth the sacrifice. Despite his previous mistakes, he was characterized as a true hero. 

So, what are you? Are you a know-it-all...or someone who knows a lot, but not enough to refuse new information?  Continue to be a half-empty cup. Make room for growth and healing. Welcome the transformation because someone is waiting to receive what you have to give...and someone else is waiting for you to receive what they have to give. Don't cause a disruption in the much needed flow of life.