by Richard Sima, The Washington Post
No one knows everything.
Recognizing this limitation and the potential fallibility of even our most deeply held beliefs is core to the concept of intellectual humility.
“It helps you overcome this very categorical, black-and-white thinking that we are often succumbing to,” said Igor Grossmann, professor of psychology at the University of Waterloo.
The idea of intellectual humility has been around for centuries, with philosophers deeming it a virtue to be aware of and acknowledge our limitations. However, experimental interest by psychologists became popular only within the past decade or so in response to rising political polarization in the United States. They saw intellectual humility as a potential antidote.
“Intellectual humility is hard, because we want to be right, and we think we’re right,” said Tenelle Porter, an assistant professor of psychology at Rowan University who co-wrote a 2022 review with Grossmann about intellectual humility.
But the research suggests that these challenges come with benefits; intellectual humility is one way to better not only ourselves but also our relationships — by helping us to learn and get along with one another.
When in a heated disagreement — over, say, Thanksgiving dinner — it may help to focus on your “shared humanity,” Grossmann said. “We’re still part of the same planet. … We breathe the same air.”
This can help you to think differently about the situation, he said. “You become less defensive, because it’s less about you versus them. It is a bit more about us,” Grossmann said.
Being open to learning
Although intellectual humility is not associated with an increased cognitive ability, it is correlated with more general knowledge, curiosity and open-mindedness...
