Ignorance Quote by Kathryn Schulz
““Apparently", he (Hirnstein) wrote, "admitting ignorance in response to a question, rather than being an indication of glibness and a low level of function, is a high-level cognitive ability, one that confabulators have lost.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, “The Art of Not Knowing”, 2015
Admitting ignorance shows high cognitive skill, unlike superficial talk or low function, which is lost in fabricators.
In simple terms: Admitting ignorance is a cognitive strength.
Embrace not knowing as a sign of intelligence.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic discussions
- personal growth
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When does not knowing help versus hinder?
- How can you balance humility with confidence?
Over‑emphasis on ignorance can hinder decisive action.