To my knowledge

I was reading a few job market papers from other schools. I couldn't help but notice that the phrase "to my knowledge" kept showing up. What does it mean? The method you use or the insight you have, to your knowledge, is not seen anywhere else? What if your knowledge is extremely limited? A third-grade can say, "to my knowledge, no one ever studied the planets beyond earth." Or what if yours is really petty and nobody would waste their time to take that approach? Like "I just discovered that when I step down the stairs, I always use my left foot first. To my knowledge, no one knows about this."

In either case, it really looks suspicious. This is what William Thomson says about "over-motivate it." My adviser loves to remind me of the value (or valuelessness) of my research. He would say, "What is your contribution and motivation? I don't see it." I think it was under such a continuous torture that most of the job market candidates over emphasize their contribution and motivation. Thus we have tons of "to my knowledge." It is an honest and harmless rookie's mistake. But to my knowledge, I haven't have any of it in my papers.

(Picture: The Pennsylvania Gazette)