Adam Grant’s Post

Embracing intellectual humility allows us to wear our opinions lightly, critically examine them, and discard outdated views. It's not about being wrong, but about being open to growth and refinement of our thoughts.

This is why I don’t have a tattoo.

IMO, worth considering to follow but to some extent. As always and everywheare, balance is needed . Assuming that an opinion is the derivative of what you belive in/ what you identify with loosing what you possess can create instability. Instead of discarding i would say be responsible for your opinion and take care of it as you take care for yourself. It is part of who you are.

REMAIN TEACHABLE: Changing your opinion doesn’t mean you’re anything other than more informed than you previously were. Give yourself space to grow and change. That’s what we’re here for.

Sometimes doing a little mending is in order.

100%.

As Nobel-winning physicist Richard Feynman wisely said, “You must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool.” We often fall into the trap of overconfidence, clinging to our ideas without considering conflicting views.  Jason Crawford’s approach in the “Roots of Progress” project exemplifies scientific thinking. He set aside prior beliefs to re-examine evidence thoroughly. Louis Pasteur’s quote captures this spirit: “Your ideas are not your identity.” By adopting a scientific mindset, we can explore new perspectives and evolve our thinking. Grant highlights our tendency to favor opinions that make us feel good, rather than ideas that challenge us. Disagreement shouldn’t threaten our egos; it’s an opportunity for growth. So, wear your ideas like clothes—change them when they no longer fit. Grant encourages us to embrace our fallibility, opening the door to growth and learning.

Another way to put it is to stay true to your VALUES but beware of your BELIEFS. Too often we see people who believe something regardless of the facts, and they get so passionate about defending their belief that they sacrifice their own values. For example, and to call back to your metaphor, I value looking good. I once BELIEVED having frosted blonde hair was a good look. I still value looking good, but my belief in frosted blonde hair has changed. 😄

Such a valuable perspective! Treating our opinions like everyday clothes allows us to stay adaptable and open-minded. Just as fashion evolves, so should our thoughts and beliefs. We remain receptive to new information and growth by regularly reassessing and updating our views. It's important to embrace change and recognize that what suits us today might not fit tomorrow. This mindset not only fosters personal development but also enhances our ability to connect with others who might have different perspectives.