How to Practice Intellectual Humility

As we continue to look at the dimensions that are accumulatively building a holistic approach to mental health and wellness, it is intuitive that intellectual wellness would play an integral part. What does it mean to have intellectual wellness? Possessing intellectual wellness says that we have the skills necessary to put our minds to good use. Today we’re looking at the magic potion of critical thinking: Intellectual Humility. 

Intellectual Humility

It might be strange to couple humility with intellect but if you understand the power of humility and the places it allows you to go, you will see that if you want to grow in your intellectual wellness it is a key ingredient. Intellectual humility is the magic potion for critical thinking.  Humility is freedom from pride and arrogance. 

Lack of Humility

A lack of humility diminishes your ability to learn, think, plan, and problem solve. We all have known and experienced conversations with a know-it-all that does not allow space for thoughts beyond their own. Your differing thoughts are seen as threatening or perceived as personal attacks. Or their questioning presented as a need to understand is really about their desire to tell you how you are wrong. Pride doesn’t allow you to be objective or aware of your own flawed thinking. The end result is small-mindedness and a narrow point of view. Proverbs 11:2 eloquently reminds us: “When you act with presumption, convinced that you’re right, don’t be surprised if you fall flat on your face. But walking in humility helps you to make wise decisions.” 

Posture of Humility

Conversely, a posture of humility opens your heart to learn without feeling threatened or diminished. It broadens your thinking, creating space for new ideas, a different perspective, fostering creativity, and clever brainstorming. Humility also protects you from functioning in a manner that is self-deceptive. If you believe that you know it all, have better ideas or a better understanding you preclude yourself from other’s input, feedback or influence. A lack of humility becomes a logjam of your own personal biases and prejudices. Proverbs 14:6 warns us “the intellectually arrogant seek for wisdom, but they never seem to discover what they claim they’re looking for. For revelation-knowledge flows to the one who hungers for understanding.” 

A posture of humility positions yourself to hold space for empathy; to understand another’s point of view even in disagreement. This makes you a better listener; actively listening without the pressure of having all the answers. The book of Proverbs reveals those who do not delight in understanding are called fools who are only interested in revealing their own mind.

How Are You Doing?

How do you know if you are functioning in intellectual humility? 

• You do not allow yourself to feel threatened by new ideas or thoughts that differ from your own. 
• You are consciously aware of your own limited knowledge and can admit it.
• You have identified areas of sensitivity to personal biases, prejudices, and limitations that your own viewpoints create. 

4 Smart Ways to Practice Intellectual Humility:

1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset. When faced with an intellectual obstacle (such as not understanding a controversial topic) turn it into an opportunity to learn, explore and give yourself permission to land on a conclusion based on your convictions, even if it differs from popular opinion. 
2. Follow Someone Who Models Intellectual Humility. We often learn by imitation. Follow someone who isn’t afraid to admit if they’re wrong or unclear about a topic. They own their intellectual limitations.
3. Become a Lover of Truth. Grant yourself permission to create social tension. Just don’t be arrogant or annoying about it. Shape your thinking to what is really the case.
4. Be Slow to Speak. Take this to heart: Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. James 1:19 TPT