Courage Quote by Steven D. Levitt
““The impulse to investigate can only be set free if you stop pretending to know answers that you don't. Because the incentives to pretend are so strong, this may require some bravery on your part.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Economist Podcast, 2019
True inquiry needs humility; pretending to know limits learning and requires courage to admit uncertainty.
In simple terms: Ask questions, admit you don’t know.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty, be brave.
Themes
humility
curiosity
bravery
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- research
- policy making
- personal growth
- academic work
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
incentive structures
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs are you pretending to hold?
- How can you create safe spaces for honest questioning?
A Different Perspective
Admitting ignorance can be socially risky and may hinder confidence.
![“We're [parents]) always bluffing, pretending we know best, when most of the time we're just praying we won't screw up too badly.” quote by Jodi Picoult](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd9/jodi-picoult-45_funny_we-re-parents-always-bluffing-pretending_1685839.jpg)
![“[...]if you are hoping to damage opponents' mental health, go ahead and tell them how inferior or dim-witted or nasty they are. But even if you are certifiably right on every point, you should not think for a minute that you will ever be able to persuade them. Name-calling will make you an enemy…” quote by Steven D. Levitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4e9/steven-d-levitt-5284_first-place_if-you-are-hoping-to-damage-opponents-me_193482.jpg)
