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Some time ago there was a spate of sniggering at the late, unlamented Donald "Rummy" Rumsfeld for speaking of unknown unknowns, known unknowns, and known knowns. I spoke in defense of Rummy at that time, suggesting only that he had left out the unknown knowns. I recently discovered that the estimable Geoff Pullum is on my side. His posting in Language Log not only defends Mr. Rumsfeld's statements but also mentions an old Persian apothegm that supplies the missing unknown knowns.
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I heard a recording of that speech. I actually followed it (I think), but it sounded really really awkward.
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As it is Ascension Day, a general free day for everyone, I hope you don't mind me using a moment to take the old Persian apothegm from your link Language Log out into the open:
Quote:
He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him.
He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, can be taught; teach him.
He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep; wake him.
He who knows, and knows that he knows, is a prophet; follow him.
As the prophet or saviour, whichever way you consider him ascended into the blue.
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As it is Ascension Day, a general free day for everyone, Umm, no, pretty much just you and the Pope (Vatican City but not Italy) and a few other countries. We don't get Koninginnedag (Queen's Day), either. Here's a site where you can look up a country's national holidays: Holidays on qppstudio.net
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Hmmm, pretty waving flags, all of them!
We are a very secularized nation, but we respect the prophet/saviour who managed to secure 9 free days a year for approx. two thousand years.
Ah,there still is 'St.Nicolas Day', this remnant of old Catholic tradition is good for half a free day. Yes we're spoiled.
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Taking ancient text out of context and using it to avoid providing an answer is inexcusable. Public figures have an obligation to speak plainly when communicating with the public.
tempus edax rerum
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Maven, what are you referring to? What answer should be given?
You are refering to Rumsfeld? Could you be clearer?
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Dunno about how it sounded but here it is transcribed: Reports that say that something hasn't happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns -- the ones we don't know we don't know. Looks clear enough to me. As for the Persian apothegm, I think they were a bit harsh on the owner of the unknown unknowns. As long as you know there are things you don't know that you don't know you're OK. It's when you don't know that you have unknown unknowns that you're in trouble.
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it was a general free day in NYC too..
alternate side of the street parking was suspended for religious holiday.
(now if only the Hindu's and the Jains, and any number of other members of various religions would just get it together, and demand, (as christians and jews have done and muslims are beginning to), that their holiday should be a cause for suspension of alternate side of the street parking, the world (or at least my corner of it) would be a better place.
I LOVE organized religion.. there are about 20 days each year that have suspended alternate side of the street parking..
Now if we could just have time off (from being required to move our cars) to praise the cow, or fire, or any other diety....
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Um...could you explain to me what suspended alternate side of the street parking has to do with religion? Any religion?
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