We criticise people for not attempting to learn something because they do not want to embarrass themselves. I do too. But as someone who often puts himself in embarrassing situations because he values what he might learn from them, I have to admit that people are not kind to those who are trying to learn. I’ve experienced this several times, and I still do. I remember walking up to a group of people to tell them that I didn’t mind being laughed at, but if they shouted and made irritating sounds in a way that distracted me, I would know they wanted problems. You begin to realise just how much of an asshole people can be. They mock and condescend to people who are trying to learn something, whether or not they already know it, and actively frustrate the process. Some are simply hostile even when they are in te legitimate position to teach or offer assistance, as though someone’s ignorance and curiosity are themselves irritating. It should come as no surprise, then, that most people would rather not put themselves in such situations. Even those who have been through the same experience often lack the self-awareness to stop themselves from putting others through it. Trying to advance in understanding is not just a battle against yourself. It is also a battle against the external forces that make the process even more difficult.