Is everything you don’t understand a scam?

There is a pattern in our society that many of us have noticed. Everyone feels the need to have an opinion about everything.

Ask someone a random question, like “What do you think about quantum computing?” Even if they don’t have much knowledge on the topic, the typical response will be, “It is an emerging technology and the future.” Very few have the courage to admit the truth and say, “I don’t know.”

In our context, saying “I don’t know” is often seen as a weakness. As a result, people comment on everything and try to appear informed, even when they are not.

Seeking to understand new things is positive, but commenting on everything without knowledge is not.

Take cryptocurrency as an example. Often, when someone does not understand it, the immediate reaction is to label it a scam. The same happens with many emerging technologies. Lack of understanding sparks suspicion, and suspicion quickly turns into judgement.

So here, not understanding something does not make it a scam. These are our limitations - gaps that can be acknowledged and addressed. The focus should be on recognising them, learning from them, and building a stronger foundation, rather than rushing to judgement.

We can either make a genuine effort to learn or honestly accept that we do not know, and both are far healthier than pretending.

At the same time, we must shift the mindset that anything unfamiliar is a scam. Society needs a culture where saying, “I don’t know” is normal and free from fear of judgement. Careless or uninformed comments can damage reputations, opportunities, and even important deals.

Talrop has also faced many unfair judgements, primarily because the concept of ecosystem-as-a-business is not widely understood. Many do not fully grasp what an ecosystem is, how it can be leveraged to build global ventures, develop real estate projects, assist corporates, and serve governments, or how through this approach Talrop generates revenue.

This long term mission concept is difficult for many to understand, and I have recognised this over the past ten years. Without analysing it deeply, some form opinions quickly and assume they have understood it.

And this is something we need to reflect on as a society.

Next time someone asks for your opinion, pause. Speak only what you know. If you don’t know, say so - honestly. Avoid passing off vague assumptions as reviews or critiques. This is how trust is built, and this is how a culture of responsibility and honesty grows.

Thankfully,

Safeer Najumudeen

Founder, Solution Architect & Mentor