Adam Grant Says the Key to Lifelong Learning Comes Down to This 1 Thing. You Might Not Like It
We don't like to be wrong. But we should get more comfortable with it
by Nick Hobson
My social media algorithms would probably find me a confusing individual. One day, I'm left-leaning; the next, I'm right-leaning. One day, I'm watching a YouTuber who vehemently disagrees with another YouTuber who's been on my view list for the past few months.
But it's intentional.
I've set a personal challenge for myself: to engage with content that is, on paper, opposite to my own views and opinions. I aim to introduce myself to concepts I don't necessarily agree with and even engage with content I find downright offensive or, dare I say, idiotic. It's my way of fighting back against echo chambers and, as a result, growing in my own way.
Adam Grant, renowned organizational psychologist and author, offers a striking piece of advice for those committed to lifelong learning: Engage with those who disagree with you. This suggestion might seem counterintuitive, uncomfortable, or even unappealing, but it is deeply rooted in psychological principles that reveal the limitations and biases in our understanding.
The psychology of agreement and bias
Human beings naturally gravitate toward confirmation. We seek out information, opinions, and environments that align with our pre-existing beliefs, a phenomenon known as the confirmation bias. This bias leads us to favor information that confirms what we already know or believe and to dismiss or undervalue information that challenges our views. It creates an echo chamber effect, where our ideas are continuously reinforced, giving us the illusion of certainty and correctness.
Grant's advice tackles the fundamental issue of cognitive blind spots. There are things we know we know, things we know we don't know, and, crucially, things we don't know we don't know. This last category is the most dangerous for personal and intellectual growth because it consists of gaps in our knowledge and understanding that we are entirely unaware of. Engaging with dissenting voices and perspectives helps to illuminate these blind spots, revealing areas where we may be ignorant or misinformed.
The Dunning-Kruger effect, a cognitive bias wherein people with limited knowledge or competence in a domain overestimate their own ability, further complicates our understanding. When we lack awareness of our own limitations, we become overconfident in our views. Engaging with those who disagree can serve as a reality check, highlighting our deficiencies and prompting us to learn and improve.
Cognitive dissonance, the psychological discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs, also plays a critical role. Encountering disagreement forces us to confront this discomfort, compelling us to either reject the conflicting information or reconsider and potentially revise our beliefs. This process, though uncomfortable, is essential for intellectual growth and the refinement of our understanding.
The benefits of embracing disagreement
Engaging with differing opinions cultivates intellectual humility. This is the recognition that our knowledge and understanding are inherently limited and that others may hold valuable insights we lack. Intellectual humility fosters a growth mindset, encouraging us to see challenges and opposition as opportunities for learning rather than threats to our ego.
Many people avoid disagreement out of fear of conflict. However, constructive conflict, when approached with an open mind and a willingness to learn, can lead to greater understanding and innovation. Engaging respectfully and thoughtfully with opposing viewpoints can strengthen relationships and build bridges, fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.
To put Grant's advice into practice, seek out diverse perspectives intentionally. Join groups or forums where your views are challenged. Engage in debates and discussions with an open mind. Practice active listening, striving to understand the underlying reasons for differing viewpoints rather than simply waiting for your turn to refute them.
Adam Grant's advice may be uncomfortable, but it is a powerful catalyst for lifelong learning. By engaging with those who disagree with us, we confront our biases, uncover our blind spots, and foster intellectual humility. This process not only broadens our understanding but also prepares us to navigate an increasingly complex and diverse world. Embrace the discomfort of disagreement--it is the key to continuous growth and learning.