Why some of the smartest people can be so very stupid
We all have different intelligences, but we should evaluate our flaws. Cornell University psychologist David Dunning has spent 15 years studying the human mind and the decision-making processes of people who make bad decisions.
The Stupid Study was his 1999 investigative method. The Stupid Study has numerous key conclusions. Many people lack comprehensive comprehension of their views, genetics, and bias.
Dunning bases his claim on extensive interviews with people who claim to be stupid despite evidence to the contrary. This is because certain conditions highlight human limitations and make it hard to admit our mistakes.
Harry Houdini deceived Arthur Conan Doyle with seance tricks, he says. Conan Doyle responded with a lengthy counter-explanation to disprove the seance frauds.
We know that ignorance is a cognitive lapse that impairs understanding of our experiences. Thus, we simplify phenomena rather than understand them. Finally, we must acknowledge our limitations and not overestimate our intelligence.
Although experts don't fully understand why intelligence levels vary, lead has been linked to the fall of IQ points in post-World War II America. Ignorance is the inability to see patterns, use logic, and learn from experience. People lack experience in certain areas. Thus, genetics may shape these traits.
Some experts believe genetics affect intellect, but others believe people can purposefully dumb themselves down for a purpose. Psychoanalyst Wilfred Bion studied combat soldiers who had cognitive shutdowns. He used this in his theory of learning and why people resist learning.
Bion studied cognitive neuroscience, specifically brain mechanisms of learning and decision-making. Although genes contribute to a considerable amount of IQ, other variables also affect it.
People commonly use self-deprecating language to express their displeasure and disbelief at their own conduct. These activities may result from distraction, inexperience, or a combination of these. Irrationality increases with folly. While intelligence varies, certain acts are often associated with foolishness.
Overconfidence is a sign of irrationality. People with self-awareness and attention issues may underestimate their talents. These people are generally called dumb, yet they are not. People who call themselves "stupid" may be smart. Despite their intellect, their decisions can be surprising.
Ignorance plagues many aspects of our life, especially in business. Sometimes ignorance seems innocent, yet it can have serious consequences. Business cultures that reward foolishness exacerbated the economic crisis. Diplomats were thought to make rational decisions by bankers. They unintentionally fostered unwise behaviour by encouraging asset risk-taking.
Although it is ideal to presume actions are never motivated by malice, assurance is difficult to achieve. Considering alternate explanations for an activity can reveal its cause. Thus, before assuming malice, an action must be assessed for misguidedness.
We should consider alternate explanations if we find them. Exploring other ideas and approaches might boost our effectiveness in many situations. Avoid assuming evil intent behind acts.