It’s impossible to know everything, and there’s nothing wrong with admitting there are gaps in your knowledge.
In fact, most of us are ignorant about a lot of topics in life. However, the intellectually curious (and those who don’t want to feel like idiots!) will do the legwork to go out and learn more about the things they don’t understand. Sadly, that’s not everyone’s approach. In fact, some people almost seem to take pride in being uneducated — and no, we’re not talking about expensive private schools or fancy degrees here. Education is all about what you make it, but people who don’t care one bit about utilising the brains they were born with tend to do these things.
1. They reject new information that challenges their beliefs.
You know that friend who just won’t budge on their opinions? No matter what facts you throw at them, they’ve got their fingers in their ears going “la la la.” It’s like they’re allergic to changing their mind. You could show them a mountain of evidence, and they’d still be like, “Nah, I’m good with what I already think.” It’s frustrating as hell, right? They’re so set in their ways that they’re missing out on learning new stuff and growing as a person. It’s like they’re scared of admitting they might be wrong about something.
2. They share misinformation on social media without fact-checking.
We’ve all got that one mate who’s always sharing dodgy articles on Facebook. You know the type — they see a headline that fits their views and hit ‘share’ faster than you can say “fake news.” It doesn’t matter if it’s from some sketchy website no one’s ever heard of. They’re not bothered about checking whether it’s true or not. It’s like they think being first to share is more important than being right. And when you call them out on it? They just shrug it off or say something like, “Well, it could be true.” It’s maddening, especially when you see other people falling for it too.
3. They mock people for using “big words” or complex concepts.
Ever been around someone who rolls their eyes every time you use a word with more than two syllables? It’s like they’re proud of not knowing stuff. You try to have a decent conversation about something interesting, and they’re there making fun of you for “talking posh” or “being a know-it-all.” It’s incredibly annoying. Instead of maybe asking what a word means or trying to understand, they’d rather make fun of you. It’s like they’re scared of looking dumb, so they make fun of anyone who seems smarter. Makes you wonder what they’re so insecure about.
4. They dismiss formal education as worthless.
You’ve probably met people who brag about not needing uni or any kind of training. They’re like, “I learned everything I need in the school of life, mate.” And yeah, experience is important, but come on. They act like getting an education is for mugs, but then moan about not getting promoted at work. It’s like they don’t see the connection. Sure, uni isn’t for everyone, but writing off all formal education? That’s just shooting yourself in the foot. They’re closing doors before even checking what’s behind them.
5. They refuse to entertain perspectives that don’t match their own.
It’s like trying to talk to a brick wall with these people. They’ve got their views, and that’s it — end of story. Try to bring up a different perspective, and they shut down faster than a pub at closing time. They surround themselves with people who think exactly like they do, watch the same news channels, read the same websites. It’s an echo chamber, innit? And the worst part is, they don’t even realise how narrow their world-view is getting. It’s like they’re scared of having their minds changed, so they never give it a chance.
6. They believe personal anecdotes over statistical evidence.
You know those friends who always have a story to counter any fact you bring up? Like, you’re talking about crime rates going down, and they jump in with, “Well, my cousin’s neighbour’s dog got nicked last week, so you’re wrong.” It’s like they think their one random experience trumps actual data. Don’t get me wrong, personal stories can be powerful, but come on, you can’t base everything on that one thing that happened to your mate’s uncle. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to have a serious chat, and they keep derailing it with “Yeah, but one time…”
7. They’re disinterested in world events or politics.
It’s impossible to chat about what’s going on in the world with someone who proudly declares they don’t follow the news. They’re all, “It’s all depressing anyway” or “It doesn’t affect me.” But then they’ll moan about local issues without seeing the connection. It’s like they think being uninformed is cool or something. You try to explain how global stuff impacts their daily life, and they zone out faster than kids in a maths class. It’s annoying when you’re trying to have a meaningful conversation, and they can’t be bothered to know what’s happening outside their bubble.
8. They reject expert opinions in favour of conspiracy theories.
We’ve all got that one friend who thinks they’ve uncovered some grand conspiracy that apparently thousands of experts have missed. They’ll dismiss years of scientific research but believe some random YouTube video they saw at 2 am. It’s like they think being sceptical means rejecting everything mainstream. You try to point out the flaws in their logic, and they accuse you of being a “sheep.” It’s exhausting, isn’t it? They think they’re being clever and “thinking for themselves,” but really, they’re just falling for a different kind of propaganda.
9. They’re culturally insensitive (and proud).
Sadly, there are people who seem to put their foot in it every time they talk about other cultures. They’ll make these cringe-worthy jokes or comments, thinking they’re being funny, but it’s just uncomfortable for everyone. And when you try to explain why it’s not cool, they brush it off with “Oh, everyone’s so sensitive these days.” It’s like they can’t be bothered to learn about other people’s experiences or perspectives. They’re stuck in their own little world and don’t see how their words might hurt people. It makes hanging out with them in diverse groups a nightmare.
10. They avoid reading books or long-form articles.
Ever tried to discuss a book with someone who proudly declares they haven’t read one since school? They’re all about those quick social media posts or 2-minute videos. Anything longer than a meme, and they’re out. It’s like they’ve got the attention span of a goldfish. You try to share an interesting article, and they ask, “Can you just give me the main points?” It’s frustrating because you know they’re missing out on so much depth and nuance. They think they’re saving time, but really, they’re just skimming the surface of everything.
11. They dismiss mental health concerns.
It’s frustrating when you’re trying to have a serious chat about mental health, and someone chimes in with “People these days are just too soft.” They act like anxiety or depression is just a fancy word for being a bit sad. You try to explain how debilitating it can be, and they come back with, “Back in my day, we just got on with it.” It’s like they think mental health issues are a modern invention or something. They don’t get that telling someone to “man up” or “just be happy” isn’t actually helpful advice. It’s scary to think how many people might not seek help because of attitudes like this.
12. They resist new technology.
We all know someone who’s proud of not knowing how to use a smartphone, right? They’ll brag about still having a Nokia brick from 2005 like it’s a badge of honour. And don’t even try to explain things like cloud storage or streaming services to them. They’ll just grumble about how things were better “back in the day.” It’s not like anyone’s expecting them to become IT experts, but their stubbornness about avoiding new tech is just making their lives harder. And the worst part? They’ll still complain when they can’t figure out how to do simple things online.
13. They’re not interested in financial literacy.
You ever tried to talk budgeting or investing with someone who thinks financial planning is just for rich people? They’ll blow their pay cheque in a week and then wonder why they’re always skint. Mention things like savings accounts or pension plans, and their eyes glaze over faster than a puddle in winter. It’s like they think ignoring money stuff will make it all work out somehow. But then they’re the first ones asking to borrow a tenner at the end of the month. You want to help, but it’s hard when they can’t be bothered to learn even the basics of managing their cash.
14. They refuse to learn from their mistakes.
We’ve all got that mate who keeps making the same cock-ups over and over, haven’t we? They’ll mess up, promise they’ve learned their lesson, and then do the same thing next week. It’s like watching a real-life version of Groundhog Day. You try to point out the pattern, and they’ll have a million excuses about why it’s not their fault. “The world’s out to get me,” they’ll say. It’s frustrating because you can see the solution, but they’re too busy playing the victim to actually change anything.
15. They couldn’t care less about the environment.
It’s maddening when you’re trying to do your bit for the planet, and someone scoffs at you for using a reusable bag or refusing a plastic straw. They’ll bang on about how their little actions don’t make a difference, so why bother? You try to explain about microplastics or carbon footprints, and they look at you like you’re speaking Klingon. It’s like they think climate change is some far-off problem that won’t affect them. They can’t seem to connect their daily choices with the bigger picture. And don’t even get me started on the ones who think it’s all a big hoax.
16. They stick to “how things have always been done”.
Some people who resist any kind of change like it’s the plague. They’re always banging on about the “good old days” and how things should stay the same. Try suggesting a new way of doing something, and they’ll shoot it down faster than you can say “innovation.” It’s like they think the world stopped evolving the day they were born. You point out how times have changed, and they’ll mutter something about “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It’s annoying when you’re trying to improve things, and they’re anchored to the past like it’s a life raft.
17. They wouldn’t know how to self-reflect if it smacked them in the face.
Ever tried to have a deep conversation with someone who seems allergic to looking inward? They’ll talk about everyone else’s problems, but the moment you suggest they might need to work on something, they shut down or get defensive. It’s like they’re scared of what they might find if they actually examine their own behaviour. You try to help them see a pattern in their life, and they’ll come up with a million reasons why it’s always someone else’s fault. It’s exhausting, isn’t it? You want to shake them and say, “Mate, sometimes the problem is you!”
18. They dismiss the value of arts and humanities.
It’s frustrating when you’re chatting about a great film or book, and someone chimes in with “What’s the point of all that artsy stuff anyway?” They act like anything that’s not immediately practical is a waste of time. Try explaining how art helps us understand the human experience, and they’ll roll their eyes so hard you’d think they were auditioning for “Coronation Street”. It’s like they can’t see the value in anything that doesn’t have an obvious, tangible outcome. They’re missing out on so much depth and beauty in life, but try telling them that.
19. They refuse to admit when they don’t know something.
We all know that one person who’d rather die than say “I don’t know,” right? They’ll BS their way through any conversation, making up “facts” on the spot rather than admitting they’re not an expert on everything. You catch them out, and they’ll change the subject quicker than Rishi Sunak dodging a tough question. It’s like they think not knowing something makes them look stupid, when really, it’s their obvious bluffing that’s embarrassing. It’s exhausting trying to have a genuine conversation with someone who’s more interested in appearing knowledgeable than actually learning.
