All-knowing Idiots

These are the idiots that make themselves look horrible, and they usually take a couple of people down with them. They  know everything, and no one could possibly correct them. They don't have to do research or look anything up - God forbid! Looking something up would mean that they don't innately know the answer. Doing research is tantamount to admitting that someone knows more than they do!

I have had the misfortune of working with one or two of these people in my time. I'm sure most of us have. These people have the ability to get under my skin pretty quickly, especially if I'm trying to help them with something. They don't take advice or criticism. They think that they have it all figured out and don't need anyone's help.

Don't worry, though. These idiots are usually generous with their founts of knowledge. They feel it's their duty to impart their wisdom on the masses. It doesn't matter if their wisdom is completely wrong or that their advice is misleading people. They don't consider the consequences of giving out information that is less than stellar. Really, it's just about getting the glory in the moment. They only want you to pay attention to them and acknowledge that they are helpful and intelligent.

I suppose we could get into the psychology of this brand of idiocy of we wanted. Maybe these people were never told that they were wrong as children. Maybe they were indulged too much. Maybe they have a deep-seeded need for attention and don't care how they get it. When it comes down to it, it doesn't matter. What really matters is that we know how to distinguish these people from those who are actually able to help.

Many all-knowing idiots don't pursue higher education or don't make it all the way through. It's just because the professors are out to get them, though. After all, educators are all jealous of the sheer genius of these almighty brains. They don't want students who know more than them and could teach the class better.

If someone jumps into any random conversation that they overhear, they might be one of these idiots. They will inevitably offer advice on whatever you're talking about. After all, they are experts. They have taken a class on this or attended a conference about that. They know someone who went through the same thing or read about something similar in a magazine.

No matter how you personally choose to pick out these idiots in a crowd, just make sure that you can. Don't trust someone who can do no wrong - someone who won't admit that they don't have all of the answers. You'll wind up making yourself look like an idiot if you're not careful.