I came across a quote from an English philosopher, Bertrand Russell, who claimed, “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts. “
This reassured me because I often feel like John Snow in that “I know nothing” and often left me feeling less than. My favorite quote now, without feeling humiliated, is, “Please explain it to me as if you are explaining it to a four-year-old.” If I still did not understand, I would sometimes ask stupid questions, but I have gotten to the point where I do not care. Why? Because I have had the luxury of retrospect.
You see, I was so concerned about looking stupid at school that I prevented myself from becoming smart. I am that person for whom the quote” education is wasted on the young” rings true.
I’ve been caught out pretending I was more intelligent than I was. I have a mortifying memory of sitting in Afrikaans when my teacher told a joke, and the whole class laughed. So, I would not be left behind, I bellowed out a hearty laugh. He thought I must have loved the joke, so when another kid confessed to not understanding it, he asked me if I might explain it. Who was laughing now? The joke was entirely on me—the unintentional clown of the class who had NO idea what the joke meant and could not explain it.
In psychology, they call this the “Dunning-Kruger Effect.” It is named after two researchers who were the first to measure it, and the application of it is widespread in our lives.
There are four types of information, and Mark Mason, author of “The Subtle Art of Not Giving an F” explains it like this:
Known knowns. – Information you know you understand (how to ride a bike).
Known unknowns. – Information you know you don’t understand (quantum physics).
Unknown knowns. – Information that you know, but you didn’t know that you knew it. (We did not know how to parent until it happened.)
Unknown unknowns. – Information that you’re entirely oblivious to. Not only do you not know it, but you also don’t even know that you don’t know it.
It is the unknown unknowns where the Dunning-Kruger effect comes into play. Humans overestimate our knowledge/skills/competence and underestimate our ignorance. It is the ignorance of our ignorance.
It is one thing to make a mistake and realize you made a mistake because you did not know better, but it is something entirely different to make a mistake and not even know you made a mistake because you are just so bloody fantastic.
This seemed to be the case with me; how much humiliation or failure did I need to go through to understand that I do not know everything, and that is OK! However, I would not know anything if I did not fess up and admit this truth. This is the Dunning-Kruger effect and what Bertrand believes is wrong with the world and the scary thing is, we all do it; we all overestimate our knowledge and abilities.
If this is the case, what is the antidote to combat this?
In pursuit of mastery and expertise, the journey often begins with a humble acknowledgment of our own ignorance. This acknowledgment is the essence of the beginner’s mindset, which encourages approaching new challenges with an open, curious, and receptive attitude. This approach can be a powerful antidote to the Dunning-Kruger Effect, a cognitive bias that can cloud our self-awareness and hinder genuine learning.
The Beginner’s Mindset Defined
The beginner mindset, often associated with Zen Buddhism, refers to approaching tasks and situations with the openness and eagerness of a beginner. Individuals are free from preconceived notions, biases, and assumptions in this state. They are open to learning, unafraid of making mistakes, and receptive to new ideas and information.
The advantages of the beginner’s mindset are:
Willingness to learn.
Unlike those trapped in the Dunning-Kruger Effect, beginners understand that they lack expertise and approach new challenges with curiosity. They actively seek knowledge, ask questions, and engage in a continuous discovery process.
Example: Learning a Musical Instrument. A person with a beginner’s mindset eagerly seeks guidance, takes lessons, and practices diligently. In contrast, someone affected by the Dunning-Kruger Effect might underestimate the complexity of the skill, leading to overconfidence and a reluctance to invest time to learn. That would have been me in Afrikaans.
Openness to Feedback
Maintaining a beginner’s mindset fosters an openness to feedback and constructive criticism that is crucial for growth. Individuals with this mindset appreciate that feedback is an invaluable tool for improvement rather than viewing it as a threat to their perceived competence.
Example: Workplace Collaboration. In a professional setting, a team member embracing a beginner’s mindset welcomes feedback on their work. They understand that constructive criticism allows them to refine their skills and contribute more effectively. Conversely, someone grappling with the Dunning-Kruger Effect might resist feedback, believing they already possess the necessary expertise.
Adaptability and Flexibility
The beginner’s mindset thrives on adaptability and flexibility. Those who approach challenges with a willingness to learn are more likely to adapt to changing circumstances, embrace new information, and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Example: Navigating Technology. Consider someone unfamiliar with the latest technology but open to learning. They willingly explore new apps, devices, and software, adapting to the evolving digital landscape. On the contrary, individuals influenced by the Dunning-Kruger Effect might resist adopting new technologies, assuming their existing knowledge is sufficient. If it weren’t for my kids, I would still use a wall calendar and a Nokia phone. Being a parent has allowed me to see life with a beginner’s mindset.
Humility and Self-Awareness
At the core of the Dunning-Kruger Effect is a lack of self-awareness regarding one’s true abilities. The beginner’s mindset acts as a natural counterbalance by instilling humility. Recognizing that there is always more to learn prevents overestimating one’s competence.
Example: Public Speaking. Consider a novice public speaker who seeks advice and critiques from experienced speakers. This individual recognizes the vastness of the skill and understands that improvement comes with practice and guidance. On the contrary, someone under the influence of the Dunning-Kruger Effect might believe they are already an eloquent speaker, dismissing the need for feedback or further development.
Continuous Improvement
The beginner’s mindset aligns seamlessly with the concept of continuous improvement. Those who approach challenges as beginners understand that progress is a journey, not a destination. Even more so, I believe happiness is found in progress. If you ask anyone who has won a trophy or an award, they say it lasts a day, a week, a month, or a year, but then it loses its effect, and they are on to the next achievement. Real happiness lies in the progress of the process. This perspective encourages ongoing learning, refinement, and the pursuit of excellence.
Reduced Fear of Failure
One of the significant barriers to learning is the fear of failure. The beginner’s mindset diminishes this fear by recognizing that mistakes are integral to learning. This perspective fosters resilience and a willingness to try new things without the paralyzing fear of getting it wrong. I wish I had this memo at school. JK Rowling said it best. She said, “Everyone fails at something, and if you haven’t failed at anything, then it means you have not tried anything, which means you have failed by default.” There is no such thing as failure; it is merely feedback.
I have really adapted to this as I have grown older and lost my care factor of what others think, and it has been beyond liberating. I am an ongoing learner with keen curiosity and delight in stupid questions. It frees me up to pretend to be what I am not, and the beginner’s mindset has aided me in learning more than I have ever known.
In a world that celebrates expertise. The beginner’s mindset is a beacon of humility, curiosity, and continuous learning. As we navigate the complexities of life, embracing this mindset not only opens the door to personal growth but also acts as a powerful antidote to the pitfalls of the Dunning-Kruger Effect. By acknowledging our limitations, seeking knowledge, and approaching challenges with a genuine willingness to learn, we pave the way for a fulfilling journey of discovery and self-improvement. The one thing I now know for sure is how little I know.
