The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.

The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.

📖 Bertrand Russell

🌍 British  |  👨‍💼 Philosopher

🎂 May 18, 1872  –  ⚰️ February 2, 1970
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This quote underscores a phenomenon often observed in societal discourse and human psychology: the tendency for less knowledgeable or less nuanced individuals to display unwarranted confidence, while those with genuine understanding tend to doubt their own knowledge and question their assumptions. Such dynamics can have profound implications for decision-making, public policy, and the progression of ideas. When individuals with superficial understanding overestimate their competence, they can dominate conversations, influence opinions, and implement policies that may be ineffective or even harmful. Conversely, the more knowledgeable, aware of the vastness of what they don’t know, tend to question, revise, and refine their views, sometimes leading to a hesitation or reluctance to speak out confidently. This disparity often results in a landscape where confidence is mistaken for competence, leading to what is sometimes called the 'Dunning-Kruger effect', where those with limited knowledge overestimate their abilities. It also creates a challenge for rational discourse, as true experts might be reluctant to engage publicly due to their awareness of complexities they cannot fully grasp, whereas less informed individuals are more vocal and assertive. Recognizing this imbalance prompts a need for humility and patience in discussions, encouraging a culture where questioning and doubt are valued as means to seek truth, rather than being perceived as weakness or indecisiveness. It reminds us that valuing humility and ongoing inquiry over certainty can lead to smarter, more nuanced approaches to real-world problems, fostering advancements in knowledge and policy development.

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July 11, 2025

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