How to Develop a First-Rate Intelligence
Doing Your Own Research #2, Understanding the Opposite View
“The test of first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless yet be determined to make them otherwise.”
—F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1936
Luckily, you too can pass F. Scott Fitzgerald’s test, and I’m going to show you the way. How is it possible to hold two contradictory things in mind at once? You do it by realizing that all of our knowledge is inherently fallible.
What the Frick is Inherent Fallibility?
The inherent fallibility of our knowledge means we are always wrong to some degree. This is due to the limitations of our senses. We simply cannot process all the sensory inputs available or hold all the knowledge of the world in our minds. As the famous Scottish philosopher David Hume is often paraphrased as saying:
"The future is always uncertain; all we can do is make probable predictions based on past observations."
To get a feel for this, take a look at the list below of commonly held misconceptions.
“Humans use only 10% of their brains.” In reality, the brain is constantly active, and all parts of it are involved in various functions throughout the day.
“Bulls are enraged by the color red.” Bulls are actually color-blind to red and are agitated by the movement of the cape used by matadors, not the color.
“Sugar causes hyperactivity in children.” There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that sugar directly causes hyperactivity in children.
“Chameleons change color to blend with their surroundings.” Chameleons change color mainly in response to temperature, light, and their emotional state, not to blend with their surroundings.
“Einstein failed math in school.” This is a popular myth; Einstein was an exceptional student in mathematics from a young age.
“You can catch a cold by being exposed to cold weather.” Colds are caused by viruses, not cold temperatures, though exposure to cold weather might weaken the immune system.
“Bats are blind.” Bats are not blind; they have excellent night vision and also use echolocation to navigate in the dark.
“The Great Wall of China is visible from space.” The Great Wall is not visible from space with the naked eye and can only be seen from low Earth orbit under specific conditions
“Lightning never strikes the same place twice.” Lightning can strike the same place multiple times, especially tall structures.
“Cracking your fingers causes arthritis.” Cracking knuckles does not cause arthritis; it's harmless and is simply the release of gas from the joint.
Most likely some of those surprised you. If not, you did great, but keep looking. There are thousands of those. The point is that once we understand that even our beliefs are malleable, then we can see that what seems like a certain disaster is only a prediction. By understanding that a hopeless-looking future is only a prediction and not a fact, we can turn hopelessness into hope.
Shifting to a New Way of Talking to Others
Once we realize the limitations of our knowledge, it opens the door to a new way of relating to other people. Although misconceptions can be about science, they are probably more common just about your friends and family — what they think, what they believe, and what they like.
In this new way, we shift from trying to convince others that we are right and defending our existing opinion to collaboratively exploring with the other person to see what we can learn together. This is called Conscious Dialogue, which involves being fully present and mindful during conversations, actively listening to others, and considering the impact of one's words. The emphasis is on mindfulness, empathy, respect, and creating a non-defensive and resolution-oriented
Are You Ready for a Challenge?
Conscious Dialogue is too big for one newsletter, but to get started learning it, I have a challenge for you inspired by renowned investor and Warren Buffet partner Charlie Munger. He says,
“Any year that passes in which you don’t destroy one of your best-loved ideas is a wasted year.”
So we’re going to try to destroy an idea! Let’s try this first as a personal thought experiment. Start by picking a perspective that you feel strongly about. Maybe it’s related to abortion, immigration, or civil rights, just to name a few possibilities.
Ask yourself “Why do I believe this is true?” and “Where did I learn this?” and “What information or experiences lead me to believe it?” Keep going. Try to respond to five questions that start with either Why, Who, What, Where, or When.
Research the opposite perspective. Assume the writers have positive intentions. (That is, they are trying to do the right thing as they believe it.)
See if you can summarize their perspective. Again ask yourself five questions that start with either Why, Who, What, Where, or When like you did in step 1.
In the end, maybe you didn’t change your mind. But unless you’ve already done this before, you almost certainly have a deeper understanding of both your own belief and the opposing belief, thus making you a first-rate intelligence according to the F. Scott Fitzgerald definition!
So that’s it. I hope this will become a stepping stone to great changes for you because developing first-rate intelligence is not being right about everything but rather realizing you are wrong about a lot of things.