Confession Quote by Steven D. Levitt
““The next time you run into a question that you can only pretend to answer, go ahead and say “I don’t know”—and then follow up, certainly, with “but maybe I can find out.” And work as hard as you can to do that. You may be surprised by how receptive people are to your confession, especially when you come through with the real answer a day or a week later.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Economist podcast, 2020
Admitting ignorance and committing to find the answer builds trust and shows diligence.
In simple terms: Say “I don’t know” and then deliver the answer later.
Key Takeaway
Own uncertainty, then follow through.
Themes
integrity
learning
communication
Mood
respectful
trustworthy
proactive
Type
advice
professional
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- client presentations
- research projects
- teaching
- customer support
Key Concepts
epistemic humility
accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you turn “I don’t know” into a strength?
- What steps will you take to find the answer?
A Different Perspective
If you never admit lack of knowledge, you may lose credibility.
![“[...]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)
