We are all likely to make the mistake of thinking that our point of view is the most correct and that we have the absolute truth, sometimes we can even sustain the deep conviction that we are experts in an area and that no one knows more than we do. or at least we know more than the people around us.
Whether it’s years of experience, dedication to studying a specific topic, or just why is it?as many claim — we leave no doubt. We lock ourselves into our beliefs and it’s impossible to get out of there. It’s as if we’ve received the Universal Expert Award, and any objection is described as nonsense.
- It’s funny how sometimes we’re so attached to the belief of knowing everything about a subject.
- Or maybe not.
- Maybe we’re the ones who prefer to sail the ocean of indecision or at least be open to what others might tell us.
- It is that.
- Whether for others or for us.
- Intellectual humility usually shines through its absence.
- Let’s go a little further.
Humility is not about thinking less about yourself, but less about yourself. -C. S. Lewis-
We have a bad habit of overestimation of what we know, we cling to what we believe and despise what others offer us, rather than seeing a possibility of enrichment what we see is an attack, in general we think we are better or more correct than others, which can be observed more clearly in political, religious contexts, and even when we talk about lifestyles.
With regard to this ability to voluntarily go blindfolded to be intellectually blind, journalist and writer Ryszard Kapu?Ci?Ski said: “If among the many truths you choose one and pursue it blindly, it will become one. Farsa and you’re a fan. ? And there was no lack of reason, enslaving a belief and giving it the power of absolute truth hinders change and hinders our personal and social growth, in short, it limits us.
Against this backstage, it seems that scientists have discovered – or rather, brought to light a concept – or antidote – known as intellectual humility. It is the ability to be flexible in the field of knowledge, that is, to be open to new ideas.
Intellectual humility would be something of a tendency to be receptive to other perspectives, to accept that we are wrong, and to cultivate an open mind.
This concept, which at first glance seems so new, has its roots in Socrates and, later, in the philosopher and theologian Nicolau de Cusa.
As we see, intellectual humility has long accompanied us, this capacity is configured as the intermediate point between believing that everything is known or, on the contrary, nothing, that is, between intellectual pride, characterized by rigid minds and intellectual cowardice, the result of extreme shyness.
To be intellectually humble is to know that we don’t know everything and that what we think we know may be wrong, but why is there so much intellectual self-centeredness today?
Although personal characteristics may be the most responsible, according to psychologist Tania Lambrozo of the University of California, technology increases the illusion of knowledge.
Having access to any type of information with a single click creates the illusion that we have an infinite knowledge of everything that is available to us, if we add to this the ease of remembering an image, a word or information about a specific topic, the impression we have learned successfully will be much greater.
On the other hand, mental rigidity is one of the personality traits most related to intellectual egocentrism, it is a tendency to reject approaches or ideas different from ours to adapt and enclose behind bars of their own mental patterns. trying to adjust the world to the way they think, rather than trying to do the opposite.
“Big minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, and small minds argue about people. “-Eleanor Roosevelt-
We must be prepared for other perspectives, other arguments and, of course, acceptance of change, because the ideas we consider successful today may be incorrect or insufficient, who knows, but how do you do it?
While there are several strategies that allow us to cultivate intellectual humility, it is essential to be aware that we must silence and dethrone our egos, for this we must admit that we are sometimes victims of cognitive biases and slaves to the belief that they have less prejudice than others.
Opinions, ours and others, vary depending on the circumstances, and finally with ourselves. Because how many times have you found yourself doing or saying something you hadn’t thought about a while ago?
Thus, if we want to plant the seed of mental flexibility to cultivate the fruit of intellectual humility, we can:
The most important scientist of the twentieth century, Albert Einstein, whose IQ was 160, also had in mind the concept of intellectual humility. Proof of this is his statement: “A true genius admits that he knows nothing. “Benjamin Franklin, who used to say before I started an argument: “Maybe I’m wrong, but. “
As we see, intellectual humility is a good ally to combat adherence to our beliefs and continue to grow personally and socially, the key that opens the door to learning, the antidote to arrogance and reminds us that the keys of our relationships are not in impositions or demands, but in understanding, flexibility, respect and enrichment that result from knowledge of other points of view.