Today’s world is so complicated that we can’t be an expert in everything. We “know” about cars and plumbing and zippers, but we aren’t true experts in them. But because we know how to operate them, we think we know how they work. But we don’t know as much as we think we do. Psychology researchers have named this phenomenon the “
I really enjoyed this article. I have never heard of the “illusion of explanatory depth” but understood what it meant when you explained. I have encountered individuals who present themselves that way and respectfully, I do engage in listening more than speaking (which took some practice over time). Just this past week, an individual told me at work that the COVID vaccination policy was definitely a conspiracy to control us in some sinister way. I listened quietly, which she mistook to be consent and agreement, whereby she went further to tell me that it was my duty and responsibility to make it my mission to spread the word. I told her that I heard her and that I understood what she was telling me and left it at that. She did not press on for any commitment from my end. In these last some years, I have scaled back my rhetoric and have enjoyed more just opportunities to share ideas I have which can include theories with which I have come up, but I try to remember to remind all who graciously listen to my words that I am no guru or expert but just a human who is on a lifelong quest to learn. Thank you for sharing this wonderful newsletter.
I really enjoyed this article. I have never heard of the “illusion of explanatory depth” but understood what it meant when you explained. I have encountered individuals who present themselves that way and respectfully, I do engage in listening more than speaking (which took some practice over time). Just this past week, an individual told me at work that the COVID vaccination policy was definitely a conspiracy to control us in some sinister way. I listened quietly, which she mistook to be consent and agreement, whereby she went further to tell me that it was my duty and responsibility to make it my mission to spread the word. I told her that I heard her and that I understood what she was telling me and left it at that. She did not press on for any commitment from my end. In these last some years, I have scaled back my rhetoric and have enjoyed more just opportunities to share ideas I have which can include theories with which I have come up, but I try to remember to remind all who graciously listen to my words that I am no guru or expert but just a human who is on a lifelong quest to learn. Thank you for sharing this wonderful newsletter.