Intellectual Humility - A Timeless Virtue

Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues that one possesses! Humility cannot just come from within, we need to create an environment for it to thrive.  Being intellectual is being rational in thinking instead of thinking that's based on mere emotions. Hope the example below, clarifies it further.

A Timeless Virtue for Leaders

There was once a young man who achieved great success at the age of 25. His academic credentials, hard work and a little bit of luck played a vital role in his journey to success as compared to his other batch-mates who still struggled to have a strong foothold in the industry. With this success, he had his chance to fame and popularity that filled this gentleman with arrogance and pride. As a successful personality, he was once invited to be on a reality show. Engulfed with pride and arrogance, his behaviour and statements on the reality show, brought humiliation upon him from the viewers across the world. And finally, after self realization, he admitted that he learnt about Humility through Humiliation!

What is Intellectual Humility:

Intellectual humility is often described as an intellectual virtue, along with other perceived virtues such as open mindedness, intellectual courage and integrity in contrast to proposed intellectual vices, such as pride and arrogance. People with intellectual humility are both better learners and can effortlessly engage themselves in the social surroundings. It is a conscious mindset that guides our conduct towards others. It is a cognitive function and a way of thinking. It is all about being curious to uncover your blind spots - in a right way.

One simple example of Intellectual Humility is if you are congratulated for securing good grades in your examination, the appropriate response to it  is not mentioning how smart you are and how you didn't have to study much to achieve it. But the simple answer could be a 'smile' (non verbal communication) and a 'thank you' (verbal communication).


Why is Intellectual Humility Important:

Over last few years, psychologists, researchers and philosophers have explored intellectual humility with an aim to understand its nature and implications on human well being:
  • Open Mindedness: When you widen your horizon and try to make a move outside your cocoon, you get to see the different shades of the beautiful world outside. Being open minded is all about being open towards accepting new ideas and new perspectives and not being complacent with oneself and one's way of thinking. 
  • Embracing Diversity: In the world of globalization, workforce diversity is inevitable and true leaders are the one's who can effectively lead a diverse workforce towards achieving a common goal. Hence, people with Intellectual Humility find it easier to adapt and survive in an environment that has diverse workforce. 
  • Enhances Tolerance: It enhances tolerance or respect for beliefs and ideas of others. Studies have proved that those who are intellectually humble are more tolerant when it comes to interacting with those from different mindsets and cultures. If at all intellectual doesn't lead to tolerance, it will at least help overcome the narcissism of small differences.


Cultivating Intellectual Humility:

  • Cognitive Blind Spots: While you should appreciate your cognitive blind spot, you should also work upon narrowing it by being more open minded and receptive to the surrounding. Be more considerate towards others opinions and views and to integrate opposing views and perceptions.
  • Admit it when you are wrong: As a human being, we have our limitations and we are bound to make mistakes or be wrong. There is absolutely no harm in admitting it. We all owe our learning and growth to our mistakes that we once committed.
  • Separate your ego and reality: Stop feeding your egos for all the wrong reasons because ego doesn't change reality. Learn to accept the reality with graceful attitude.
  • Encourage fearless culture: Constructive conversations are based on respect, empathy and active listening. Intellectual Humility eliminates the fear of being reprimanded. In fact, it invites people to express alternative opinions.
  • Reward & Recognition: Never forget to reward and give due recognition to people exhibiting Intellectual Humility. It acts a a strong motivation and many others may follow the lead.
Remember, Intellectual Humility is one of the key traits of a Humble Leader


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