No person in an argument is right about everything all the time.  Research shows when we admit we might be wrong, it can help us be better friends, happier people, and more effective advocates for what we believe. This is intellectual humility and a gift you can give yourself.

Intellectual humility

In our minds, we weave together our ideas, assumptions, and experiences to form a picture of the world. One tug on the tread can make us feel that our sense of self is unravelling. Research shows that we react to attacks on our beliefs the same way as physical threats. Our natural tendency is to avoid those threats by finding like-minded people.

It is hard to admit that we might be wrong

Our ideas don’t need to limit us. We should accept that some things we know are wrong or incomplete. Recognising that our knowledge is incomplete is not weakness or ignorance. On the contrary, it should give us a feeling of relief.  We can let go of ideas that were holding us back. We can now turn every day into an opportunity to learn and grow.

Becoming open-minded

Arguments on social media are notorious. Can practicing intellectual humility make us smarter and happier? Science says yes. Subscribe for more videos of people thinking differently and making a difference: http://freeth.ink/youtube-subscribe-humility Internet arguments have a terrible reputation, especially when it comes to social media and politics. People often naturally form an echo chamber with similar beliefs, and when those outside it start arguments, it becomes toxic very quickly. Is there a better way? Science suggests that a good starting point is by practicing intellectual humility. By admitting the possibility that we ourselves could be wrong, we're able to better evaluate arguments and construct more robust belief systems. Studies show it also reduces stress and increases happiness. Could more widespread understanding of the role humility plays finally help build a happier internet? This video is brought to you in collaboration with the John Templeton Foundation. Subscribe for more videos exploring big questions with the potential to make the world a better place. Join the Freethink Forum for people interested in making a difference: https://www.facebook.com/groups/freethinkforum/ For more stories profiling pioneers of science and tech innovation, subscribe to Freethink at https://www.youtube.com/freethinkmedia And follow Freethink across other platforms here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freethinkmedia Twitter: https://twitter.com/freethinkmedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freethink Website: http://www.freethink.com

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Arguments on social media are notorious. Can practicing intellectual humility make us smarter and happier? Science says yes. Subscribe for more videos of people thinking differently and making a difference: http://freeth.ink/youtube-subscribe-humility

Internet arguments have a terrible reputation, especially when it comes to social media and politics. People often naturally form an echo chamber with similar beliefs, and when those outside it start arguments, it becomes toxic very quickly. Is there a better way? Science suggests that a good starting point is by practicing intellectual humility. By admitting the possibility that we ourselves could be wrong, we're able to better evaluate arguments and construct more robust belief systems. Studies show it also reduces stress and increases happiness. Could more widespread understanding of the role humility plays finally help build a happier internet?

This video is brought to you in collaboration with the John Templeton Foundation. Subscribe for more videos exploring big questions with the potential to make the world a better place.

Join the Freethink Forum for people interested in making a difference: https://www.facebook.com/groups/freethinkforum/

For more stories profiling pioneers of science and tech innovation, subscribe to Freethink at https://www.youtube.com/freethinkmedia

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