The Fox and the Hedgehog

Recently I came across fragments of a poem by the Green poet Archilochus in which he wrote, "The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing." The more I read and reread this line, the more intrigued I am in terms of its application toward communication. I think it says much in terms of defining choices people make in how they seek to communicate with others. But before I expand on that, it is important for me to explain what "fox" and "hedgehog" to mean to me in this context. And to do that, I will borrow liberally from historian Isaiah Berlin who described the fox as a being that pursues numerous ends, many of which are contradictory, while the hedgehog seeks to relate everything to a single vision.

Given those descriptions, which one - the fox or the hedgehog - makes the better communicator? Which one would any of us hire to direct or oversee our communication efforts? Which one would we rather be as we seek to communicate and/or connect with others in the course of our everyday lives? Can or even should one be both a fox and a hedgehog? Is that even possible or, to a lesser extent, advisable? Both, it seems, have strengths and weaknesses. The fox is more apt to be flexible in addressing an array of topics or issues, yet in doing so give the impression they are without an internal compass. The hedgehog, without question, would be easier to understand and, if one buys into their vision, easier to embrace. But if one does not see eye-to-eye with that vision, then the hedgehog risks becoming a communicator without an audience.

Life is nothing if not situational. Each of our days finds us in multiple situations: alone, in meetings, walking to our cars, speaking with our children, tackling homework, enjoying a movie, etc. Each situation is different and requires communication strategies that speak to what makes them unique. If one believes the manner in which they contend with those situations should be linked by the commonality of our own values and core beliefs, then it would seem it is better to be a hedgehog. But if one believes each situation requires a different message that may not connect with previous messages, then being a fox seems to be the way to go. I confess to not having a firm answer to my questions. However, given the complexities of life, in terms of communication, perhaps it is best to combine the best of the fox and the hedgehog. Life is ever-changing, thus requiring us to be flexible as we contend with it. At the same time, the more firm our feet are planted on the ground, then the better able we are to successfully navigate our daily challenges.