The Psychology Behind Those Who “Know” But Don’t Do

Mention arts like Systema and “magically,” everyone knows what it is, what it is like and whether it is effective or not. Mind you, the vast majority of such individuals have never spent one second in a Russian Martial Art school. Or a second training with a Systema Instructor. Or can spell the name, Vladimir. But somehow, they “know.”

Let’s take a dive into the psychology behind this phenomenon.

The phenomenon of individuals without experience in a particular field being the first to comment or offer opinions on it is a curious aspect of human psychology. This behavior can be partly explained by the Dunning-Kruger effect, a cognitive bias where people with limited (or no) knowledge or skill in a given area overestimate their abilities. When individuals lack expertise, they are often unaware of the complexity involved in mastering an art like Systema, and thus, they feel emboldened to make bold statements or offer advice. This can lead to an inflated sense of confidence, driving them to engage in conversations about topics they know little about, convinced they have a valid perspective.

Another psychological factor at play is social influence and the desire to appear knowledgeable. In the online world of today, where opinions are quickly shared and amplified, individuals may feel a need to assert themselves, even if they lack real-world experience. Platforms (you know their names) that prioritize quick reactions over detailed and truth, nuanced discussion further encourages this type of behavior. People might be motivated by a desire for social validation or to present themselves as experts in front of others, even when their understanding is superficial. Or non-existent. Commenting on a topic, even without practical experience, can be a way of gaining attention or belonging to a group of perceived “informed” individuals.

Finally, cognitive dissonance can also play a significant role. When someone expresses an opinion about something they haven’t directly experienced, they may do so because their beliefs or assumptions conflict with the more informed views they encounter. In other words, training in some arts, on some level, may be recognized as superior to what they are currently doing.

My own experience in this was eye-opening. One teacher, after a seminar, somewhat angrily said, “You have undone 30 years of training in 2 hours.” I never heard from them again.

I have taken classes in Judo and Jujitsu over the years and quite frankly, do not like either art. Please don’t misunderstand. Both are exceptional arts. Both are powerful and effective but they simply were not a fit for what I was looking for. I know this for one simple reason – I took 7 or 8 classes and experienced them.

Albert Einstein said it best, “The only source of knowledge is experience.”