Why what we think we 'know' is fleeting, which makes life-long learning a survival necessity, not a discretionary use of one's time

If I had to specify a single book or chain of knowledge that has had a profound influence on my life and thinking over the past decade, it would the the Half Life of Facts by Samuel Arbesman. This book, concepts and scientific method of critique and enquiry permeates my every day work, research, thinking and activities. Because it introduced me to the field of enquiry and analysis known as Scientometrics.

"Scientometrics?is the field of study which concerns itself with measuring and analysing scholarly literature. Scientometrics is a sub-field of?informetrics. Major research issues include the measurement of the impact of research papers and academic journals, the understanding of scientific citations, and the use of such measurements in policy and management contexts.[1]?In practice there is a significant overlap between scientometrics and other scientific fields such as?information systems,?information science,?science of science policy,?sociology of science, and?metascience. Critics have argued that over-reliance on scientometrics has created a system of?perverse incentives, producing a?publish or perish?environment that leads to low-quality research." Source

More importantly, the discourse and analysis offered by Arbesman triggered a series of events, decisions and pursuits that has influenced my life for several years now. It lead to a string of professional courses, consumptions of hundreds of books, construction and maintenance of a 'knowledge hive' I built myself, completion of a Master of Science degree and commencement of a Doctoral Degree. Yes, I'm a fan and super nerd! ??

"Measurement of our surroundings is an inherently human process. But separating facts from people who make them, spread them, or debunk them is nearly impossible." (Arbesman, 2013: 170)

"As we continue to be bombarded by information in our everyday lives, we must take this lesson from experts and actively learn all the time; otherwise we are doomed to be saddled with outdated mesofacts"

(Arbesman, 2013: 184)

Perhaps even more significant is that the signposts, concepts and research presented by Arbesman allowed me to review and explore the case studies, theories and observations he himself provides as part of his own third order literature review and analysis. Which is now part of may 'routine of analysis' across risk, security, safety, resilience and management sciences and applied contexts. It also highlighted to me how 'tribal' many of these practices, theories and unsubstantiated dogma have become.

"Institutional memory, and its attendant facts and knowledge, are only as permanent?as its generation time." (Arbesman, 2013: 184)

Which provided me technical, scientific, statistical and mathematical means to quickly analyse resources, make connections and develop new theories or revise existing knowledge. As a result, I've assembled and maintain an active data estate comprised of tens of thousands of resources, notes, analysis and content. Of which I can interrogate and delve into for work, research and analysis.

"If you are going to connect the dots... you have to collect the dots"

Therefore, I suppose this is somewhat an ode to Samuel Arbesman. Thank you. A single critique unlocked a passion and pursuit, in addition, enabling me to articulate and conceptualise what my profession and industry were reluctant to, or unable to acknowledge.

"William Macneile Dixon, a British professor of literature in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, once wrote, “The facts of the present won’t sit still for a portrait. They are constantly vibrating, full of clutter and confusion.”?"(Arbesman, 2013: 8)

In sum, there is a technical and scientific undercurrent to what we know, consume and make decisions upon when it comes to risk, safety, security, resilience and management.

One can be aware of such influences and seek to understand and mitigate error, or perpetuate outdated, unsubstantiated and bias views.

Thus, perpetual analysis and life-long learning have become not only a matter of professional standards but a necessity for survival of our species, communities and environments.

As a result, we need the tools, methods and means to consume huge volumes of content, like never before in human history.

Once the remit of large organisations and universities, data analysis and knowledge management is now the responsibility and burden of any working professional, at all levels. Even more so over one's working life.

Because our minds are often more agile and versatile, long after our physical exterior changes and decays. Meaning that what once was considered retirement age for labour orientated pursuits, may now just be the beginning of a more intellectual and knowledge based career or profession.

How we store, access and analyse information is no longer just a task for our brains, but our systems, tools and technology.

How do you collect, analyse, store, retrieve and construct your daily or life long knowledge?

I've shown you mine, and I'm only just getting started ??

Ridley Tony

Reference:

Arbesman, S. (2013). The half-life of facts: Why everything we know has an expiration date. Penguin.