Intellectual Humility, 9

It’s interesting to observe the presence—or absence—of Intellectual Humility in politics, religion, business, gender relationships, and families (to name just a few). Exacerbated and compounded no doubt (my brain’s opinion), by the presence or absence of high levels of EQ or Emotional Intelligence. One only has to notice the ancient and continuing animosity between evolutionists and creationists; the endless racial intolerance—even though human brains are all are the same color; the ongoing ecclesiastical disputes about the position of females in religion and the “ordination of women;” to say nothing of the rigid certainty that “marriage” must be between a 46-XX and a 46-XY chromosomal pattern only—despite the fact that chromosomal patterns ranging from 45 to 49 have been identified. More tomorrow.

Intellectual Humility, 8

According to the researchers, Intellectual Humility has huge and far-reaching implications. It may be “The Perfect Personality Trait For Intelligent People!” The new research reveals that being aware you could be wrong is a fundamentally important personality trait; perhaps the most fundamentally important personality trait for a thoughtful person. People who are intellectually humble are better able to assess evidence, tend to stick to their principles once established, and show more integrity. 

According to Professor Leary, “Not being afraid of being wrong—that’s a value, and I think it is a value we could promote.”

Intellectual Humility, 7

The study authors pointed out that if everyone was a bit more intellectually humble, people would likely all get along better and be less frustrated with each other. Intellectual humility is just as important in business and religion as it is in politics.

According to Professor Leary, “If you’re sitting around a table at a meeting and the boss is very low in intellectual humility, he or she isn’t going to listen to other people’s suggestions. Yet we know that good leadership requires broadness of perspective and taking as many perspectives into account as possible.”

Intellectual Humility, 6

There were other conclusions coming from a series of four studies investigating intellectual humility. For example, they found that intellectually humble people were:

• More likely to be non-judgmental,
• Better able to evaluate evidence,
• Less likely to ‘flip-flop’ on political issues.

Professor Leary said the personality trait of Intellectual Humility is valuable: “Not being afraid of being wrong—that’s a value, and I think it is a value we could promote.” More tomorrow.

Intellectual Humility, 5

Professor Mark Leary, lead author for the study on Intellectual Humility, reported several key findings. He has been quoted as saying: “There are stereotypes about conservatives and religiously conservative people being less intellectually humble about their beliefs. We didn’t find a shred of evidence to support that.” The research showed that in terms of politics, there was no difference between liberals and conservatives, either, in terms of Intellectual Humility. There are individuals “on both sides of the aisle” who come across as very intellectually arrogant, who think they really “know.” Researchers reported that in addition to extending their understanding of intellectual humility, this research demonstrates that the IH Scale is a valid measure of the degree to which people recognize that their beliefs are fallible. More tomorrow.

Intellectual Humility, 4

Back to “Intellectual Humility.” The new research investigating the concept of “Intellectual Humility,” utilized four studies.

Study #3 found that participants high in intellectual humility were less inclined to think that politicians who changed their attitudes were “flip-flopping.”

Study #4 showed that people high in intellectual humility were more attuned to the strength of persuasive arguments than those who were low.

More tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving!

In the middle of my study and ponderings involving the concept of Intellectual Humility, I pause to give thanks. Not only because I love gathering around the table with my closest family-of-choice members (some of whom are also biological family members) and eating foods that remind me of scores of Thanksgiving days that have gone before; but also because I live in the “Age of the Brain.” My brain finds the emerging research exciting, stimulating, challenging at times, exceeding helpful, and fun! Because of how the information (turned into knowledge and practically applied) has improved and enhanced my life, it has become my mission to share this with others and challenge them to “get to know your brain!” Together, you and your brain are the only “entities” that will be with you for your entire life!