The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know

Every few days, a friend, a junior, or even a senior reaches out with a new business idea.

“Let’s start this…” 

“Let’s build that…” 

“Can you invest in this…”

And honestly, I love that energy.

Because when you’re young, you should try everything. You should explore, experiment, fail, learn, and keep moving. That’s how you eventually stumble upon your blue ocean—that one space where your skills, passion, and opportunity align.

But here’s something I’ve learned after 15+ years of building businesses:

Ideas are dime a dozen.

Depth is rare.

Finding My Own Ground

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of exploring multiple industries. But eventually, my journey crystallised into three domains:

• Technology

• Education

• Real Estate

(Sailed only once as paanchu)

These are the spaces where I’ve invested time, made mistakes, built teams, created value, and most importantly—developed deep understanding.

So when someone from my fraternity in shipping comes to me and says:

“Let’s start a shipping company” or  “We need investment to buy ships”

My answer is often not what they expect.

It’s not a “yes.”

And sometimes, it even feels like a refusal.

But the truth is much deeper.

The Truth Behind My “No”

When I say no, it’s never about the person. It’s rarely even about the idea.

It’s about my inability to truly help.

Because I’ve come to accept something very honestly:

I know a few things well… and I know many things I don’t.

For the last 15 years, I’ve built depth in specific domains. And for the next 15–20 years, I need to compound that depth—not dilute it.

Yes, I can connect people. Yes, I can guide them to the right experts. But stepping into something where I lack real understanding? That wouldn’t be fair—to them or to myself.

Sometimes, I might come across as someone who knows a lot—because I’ve attended talks, met people, and seen industries up close.

But deep inside, I’m very clear:

There are only a few things I truly understand.

And that clarity has become my biggest strength.

A Story That Changed My Thinking

There’s a story I often share when explaining this mindset.

It’s called the Max Planck / Chauffeur Test, popularised by Charlie Munger.

Let me tell it in simple words.

After winning the Nobel Prize, physicist Max Planck used to travel around Germany giving lectures on quantum mechanics.

Over time, his chauffeur memorized the entire lecture.

One day, the chauffeur jokingly suggested:

“Why don’t I give the lecture, and you sit in the audience wearing my hat?”

Planck agreed.

The chauffeur delivered the lecture perfectly.

But then, a professor in the audience asked a difficult question.

Without missing a beat, the chauffeur replied:

“I’m surprised such an easy question is being asked. I’ll let my chauffeur answer it.”

Real Knowledge vs Pretend Knowledge

That story captures one of the most powerful lessons in life:

There are two types of knowledge:

• Real Knowledge (Planck Knowledge)

• Pretend Knowledge (Chauffeur Knowledge)

Real knowledge: (This one I have limited inventory, ha ha ha)

• Comes from doing the work

• Comes from experience

• Comes from failures and iterations

• Cannot be copied

Pretend knowledge: (Let me tell you honestly, I have plethora of this)

• Sounds impressive

• Looks polished

• Relies on memorisation

• Falls apart under pressure

As Charlie Munger explains, the world is full of people who sound like experts—but very few who truly understand.

And as Albert Einstein famously said:

“Any fool can know. The point is to understand.”

Why I Choose Depth Over Everything

In today’s world, it’s easy to confuse exposure with expertise.

You attend a few conferences… You watch a few podcasts… You read a few articles…

And suddenly, it feels like you “know” the domain.

But that’s chauffeur knowledge.

Real knowledge comes when:

• You build something

• You lose money

• You take responsibility

• You solve problems no one prepared you for

That’s where understanding is forged.

So When I Say No…

Please don’t take it personally.

I’m not rejecting you. 

I’m not rejecting your idea.

I’m simply respecting the boundary between what I know and what I don’t.

And in many ways, that’s the most honest help I can offer.

Because bad advice from shallow knowledge is far more dangerous than no advice at all.

A Small Disclaimer (With a Smile)

If you’re preparing for UPSC… please don’t come to me for advice.

Because I’ll probably tell you:

“Leave preparation… start a business!”

😄

Final Thought (Just My Thought)

In a world obsessed with knowing everything, your real edge lies in knowing what not to chase.

Find your domain. Go deep. Stay consistent.

Because in the long run— Depth builds empires.

Surface builds noise.