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Do “school of thought” and “I don’t know” have the same meaning?

By Richard Weisser

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Richard Weisser Realty

July 20, 2012 10:32 PM

I have often heard the expression “school of thought” applied as a preface to an answer for a question.

But what does the phrase actually mean? Is it the application of an educated guess by other people that are ostensibly more knowledgeable or better versed on the subject matter?

Or is merely an attempt by the answerer to support his or her own opinion without assuming the liability for the answer? Something like:

“Hey, I didn’t say it, I was merely citing some unknown source that I read or heard somewhere!”

If we don’t know the answer we should just say so. Or try to get one from a reliable source!

Because the “School of Thought” may not be accredited!

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Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty

Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL

Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

I have heard the introductory phrase through the years and basically disregarded most that followed. I guess that comes from some "school of thought" also.

Jul 20, 2012 10:40 PM

Gabe Sanders

Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL

Stuart Florida Real Estate

I plead guilty to using this phrase, but most of the time it's to introduce an opinion that is contrary to the popular 'school of thought'.

Jul 20, 2012 10:47 PM

Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX

NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Richard,

I had to laugh when I read this post..just yesterday someone started off their sentence with "The school of thought believes"... blah.... blah...blah. I actually stopped him and asked "What school of thought would that be?"...stutter...stutter....didn't know how to answer that one!

Jul 20, 2012 10:50 PM

Mary Douglas

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO

REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

"school of thought" isn't in my vocabulary Richard...but, I do like the school of fish in your photo!

Jul 20, 2012 10:53 PM

Kathy Sheehan

Bay Equity, LLC 770-634-4021 - Atlanta, GA

Senior Loan Officer

I have never used that phrase. I think I would have the same reaction as Dorie!

Jul 20, 2012 10:58 PM

Rob D. Shepherd

RETIRED - Florence, OR

RETIRED

"the school of thought" to me means, I am about to quote some unverified stuff I heard.

Jul 20, 2012 11:13 PM

Leslie G. Rojohn

MoonDancer Realty - Sylva, NC

GRI, ABR ~ MoonDancer Realty

To me "school of thought" conjures up the image of the usual pack mentality that gets most things in this world so screwed up.

Jul 20, 2012 11:59 PM

William Feela

WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN

Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

You will get more respect by saying "I don't know" than spreading the garden fertilizer!

Jul 21, 2012 12:08 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Hi Richard.....it's just easier to state "in my opinion"..... if no one likes your opinion, you'll know soon enough.

Jul 21, 2012 12:24 AM

Steve and Jan Bachman

RE/MAX Gateway, Reston, Herndon, Ashburn, Sterling, Fairfax - Herndon, VA

Realtors - Northern Virginia

I am with Barbara #9....we usually say " in our opinion" BUT we usually have tons of statistics to support that opinion. One benefit of blogging about your market and neighborhoods no?

Jul 21, 2012 12:51 AM

Richard Weisser

Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA

Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Gary...

Apparently it does! Lol and thanks.

Gabe...

I like that ..."contrary to the school of thought ...!" THX

Dorie...

Wow! I only picked the topic because I wanted to use the photo! Thanks my friend.

Mary...

I just had to use that pic this morning and that was all that I could come up with! Thanks.

Jul 21, 2012 01:15 AM

Chris Smith

Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON

South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

Richard, to me, 'school of thought" is "wishy washy", either as an answer to a question or a reply to an answer...

Jul 21, 2012 01:21 AM

Elyse Berman, PA

LoKation Real Estate - Boca Raton, FL

Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824

Richard, "School of thought" is not a phrase that I use. If I don't know the answer, I'll say so but I will also add that I will get them the answer, and I do.

Jul 21, 2012 01:53 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Richard -- I think there are some in our business(maybe it's life in general) who hate to say "I don't know" because they think it will make them seem less knowledgable. Searching for an answer can bring even a better understanding of the subject.

Jul 21, 2012 02:23 AM

Peggy Hughes/pha logistix, inc.

pha logistix inc - San Francisco, CA

SF NYC LA

I don't remember that last time I've heard that phrase... and, I seem to recall I was very young when I used it myself... aahh, the benefits of getting older and wiser!

Jul 21, 2012 03:42 AM

Cindy Edwards

RE/MAX Checkmate - Johnson City, TN

CRS, GRI, PMN - Northeast Tennessee 423-677-6677

Hi Richard,

You are correct. I have never given much thought to this phrase, and cannot say I use it very often, but you make a very good point.

Jul 21, 2012 08:02 AM

Do “school of thought” and “I don’t know” have the same meaning?

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