Intellectual Arrogance Can Blind an Otherwise Intelligent Person From Recognizing the Truth. →

Intellectual arrogance is a set of characteristics that tends to blind an otherwise intelligent person from recognizing and learning the truth.

Intellectual humility is “the recognition that the things you believe in might be wrong,” A benefit of intellectual humility is the recognition that one's perspective will always be limited. This recognition leaves a person well-positioned to learn as much as possible from peers and subordinates.

Examples of intellectual humility

I question my opinions, positions, and viewpoints because they could be wrong. I reconsider my thoughts when presented with new evidence. I recognize the value in views that are different from my own. I accept that my beliefs and attitudes may be wrong. I am willing to learn from younger people with less experience, often referred to as reverse mentors. An example of this would be those who are technologically savvy or skilled in something new or different.

Intellectual Arrogance will hold you back

When you think you are better than anyone else, you won’t know what you don’t know because you won’t allow anyone to teach you.

In an Inc Magazine article: “Warren Buffett: Only 1 Thing Will Hold You Back From Achieving Great Things in Life.” he states that the one bad habit to pay close attention to is
”Intellectual Arrogance” and ignoring it becomes self-destructive in the long run, and doing something to rid yourself of it may hold you back.

The need to show people you think you're smarter than they are is one way to derail yourself from building solid relationships.

To counter the effects of intellectual arrogance, the most intelligent people stretch their knowledge by being open to soaking up philosophical wisdom or even just knowledge of the latest developments of others.

In other words, being clever without arrogance means acknowledging that you don't know everything. Then seek knowledge from those who may know more than you do.

Because, let's face it, if you're the most intelligent person in the room, you're in the wrong room.”