Engaging the Character Strength of Intellectual Humility

Why do we at times struggle to hold on to our beliefs with some rigidity even when we are clearly wrong? What are some factors that cause this “I am correct!” thinking that at times increases our anxiety?

Arthur C. Brooks in The Atlantic writes an intriguing article that helps to explain how we can struggle to apply the character strength of intellectual humility in our lives. Brooks also cites research that show a strong correlation between humility and happiness which is another PosPsych connection. 🙂 He writes…

“When it comes to the idea that we are wrong, or that we should change our opinions, we are incredibly adept at resisting. (Adam) Grant writes that we possess an astonishing array of cognitive biases telling us, You are right—disregard all evidence to the contrary. These include confirmation bias (we focus on and preferentially remember information that reinforces our beliefs); anchoring bias (we over-rely on one key piece of information—usually the first one we received); the illusion of validity (we overestimate the accuracy of our own judgments and perceptions); and many other related tendencies. These biases are like a crocodile-filled moat around the fortress of our beliefs. They turn us into hermit kings, convinced that any counterarguments that break through our walls will bring us misery.”

If this topic interests you, take a listen to the Knowledge Project podcast interview of Adam Grant. Dr. Grant shares many helpful strategies for individuals and organizations to overcome various biases in the process of rethinking one’s stances. Dr. Grant has a new book out entitled Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know.

Photo by Sarah Kilian on Unsplash