There’s a message I see each time I put on my dress shoes.
It’s written right on the shoe trees I keep inside them when they’re not on my feet. And it reads, An educated consumer is our best customer.
Now, at first glance, this might seem more than a bit pretentious. Especially when it’s written on an accessory to formalwear — one of the ultimate indicators of elitism.
Yet, I think the message resonates for all of us — regardless of our attire choices or discretionary income.
There is always more we can do to stay informed. In our society, knowledge is power. And regardless of our economic standing, we have access to it.
The ability to stay informed is a gift we shouldn’t pass up. Because it wasn’t always available to everyone.
In years past, it was much more difficult for many people to access information. There were illiteracy barriers, access barriers and financial barriers — all of which prevented a large segment of society from staying informed.
These barriers drove a wedge within society. Not only did the elite have more power, influence and money, but they also had the ability to continually stay up to date. And they could use the information they gleaned to maintain their privileged position.
As the generations passed, this wedge only widened. And it led to the sizable income and opportunity inequalities present in virtually every country.
Yet today, things are different. Technology has provided billions of people access to real time information. Smartphones and high-speed Internet — futuristic fantasies when I was a child — are now globally mainstream.
And the way we gather information has changed as well. Literacy is recommended, yet not required. Videos and images are ever more popular, and the Internet allows people to access them on-demand, without paying for a TV.
But with the power of access comes added responsibility. The responsibility of staying informed.
We must be educated consumers of the information at our fingertips in order to be the best customers of our society.
No, our society is not a department store. And aside from taxes, we don’t pay for its services.
But it is a marketplace of ideas, connection and opportunity.
We have an opportunity to leverage this marketplace for our betterment. To close the gap the longstanding informational divide between Haves and Have Nots.
Taking advantage of that opportunity starts with being informed.
It starts with being actively curious. With taking the time to seek out a diverse range of perspectives. To avoid relying solely on the biased bubbles of our sphere of influence.
It starts with being deliberate. With taking in all the relevant information we can in order to make the best decisions.
And it starts with being intentional. With making self-education part of our daily routine, and our identity.
Yes, information is one of the best tools in the shed. But it only works for us if we pick it up and use it.
Make the commitment.
Be informed.