Think again
I recently attended a book discussion at the neuroscience institute Synapse, where participants explored the ideas presented in Adam Grant’s book “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know.” Grant, an organizational psychologist, argues that while intelligence is undoubtedly a valuable asset, the ability to question, reconsider, unlearn, and relearn is even more crucial. This flexibility and open-mindedness, he suggests, are the keys to individual, interpersonal, and collective success.
Grant categorizes thinkers into four distinct types: preachers, prosecutors, politicians, and scientists. These designations are not based on their professions but on their thinking styles. Preachers hold their beliefs as absolute truths and are unwilling to question or critique them. Prosecutors constantly challenge and interrogate the beliefs of others. Politicians shape their beliefs based on popularity rather than evidence. Scientists, on the other hand, formulate hypotheses, test them, seek evidence to support them, and are willing to change their thinking if proven wrong.
Fostering Intellectual Humility and Evidence-Based Thinking
This approach requires intellectual humility, avoiding the transformation of ideas into rigid ideologies, and basing teachings on evidence rather than intuition. It also means being willing to doubt and question not only others but oneself. Logic and data should be the drivers of one’s opinions, leading to better decision-making and more successful outcomes.
Grant provides an illustrative example from the tech industry: Blackberry inventor Mike Lazaridis’ unwillingness to reconsider his stance on keyboards versus touchscreens led to the company’s decline, while Steve Jobs’ readiness to adapt the iPod into the iPhone resulted in Apple’s tremendous success.
Doubt can be unsettling for those who are accustomed to certainty. Biases and blind spots can hinder the process of reevaluating outdated beliefs. Grant emphasizes the importance of confident humility, which involves being open to learning and willing to change one’s mind when necessary.
Fostering Lifelong Learning Communities
Changing one’s mind about an erroneous belief is not a sign of flip-flopping or hypocrisy but rather a demonstration of a willingness to learn. Grant suggests that the most effective way to persuade someone to change their mind is through motivational interviewing, which involves asking open-ended questions, engaging in reflective listening, and affirming their ability and desire to change. This approach can lead individuals to self-discovery.
Beyond individuals, Grant advocates for the development of communities of “lifelong learners.” This concept has the potential to promote consensus on contentious issues in politics by encouraging a more nuanced understanding of complex topics. For example, approaching climate change as a multifaceted issue, supported by scientific evidence, can reduce polarization and lead to more effective decisions.
Grant stresses the importance of fostering lifelong learners, particularly among students. Challenging false scientific beliefs should start in elementary school, as it becomes more challenging as individuals grow older. Kids need regular practice in unlearning.
In subjects like history or politics, the ability to understand different viewpoints and argue effectively is more valuable than being “right.” This equips children with the skills to evaluate ideas, beliefs, and events based on evidence rather than hearsay or passionate opinions.
While Adam Grant’s theories may appear unsettling to those who value steadfast beliefs and certainty, they raise important questions about the rigidity of thinking and its potential impact on society. Grant suggests that learning to unlearn and rethink may be the path to liberation for individuals and nations alike. In a polarized world, it may be essential to step down from the “Mount ” of unwavering beliefs and embrace open-mindedness and intellectual humility.
