If You Had Known… You Would Have Done Exactly The Same

Or Would You?

Image by Gerd Altmann

In my early twenties, I became aware of two divergent positions regarding the third conditional. On the one hand, stood those who claimed they would have done things differently if only they had known. On the other stood those who were just as certain they would have acted in the same way regardless.

The first lot often sounded regretful, seeking solace in thinking that it wasn’t entirely their fault, that they weren’t genetically predisposed to screw up, that they had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. ‘I was born too early’ or ‘I was born too late’ are common thoughts here. I am sure most of us have entertained similar thoughts at some point, which doesn’t necessarily mean we belong in this group, just like wanting to kill the neighbour doesn’t mean we plan to do so.

My main concern with those who express they would have acted differently if they had known the outcome of their actions in advance is that it is cheap: I would have robbed the bank if I had known everyone there was asleep and I would have never been caught. Sure, me too; I haven’t got much love for traditional banking either. Often, this line of thought neglects how they could have known better. Knowing or having a good idea about how things might turn out isn’t the work of genius minds but dedicated…