The curious joy of being wrong – intellectual humility means being open to new information and willing to change your mind
Daryl Van Tongeren, a psychology professor at [[Hope College]], uses a personal story — including an apocryphal quip by [[Mark Twain]] and the death of his brother — to illustrate intellectual humility: the willingness to revise beliefs in light of evidence, even when those beliefs involve faith in [[God]] or other core commitments. He defines intellectual humility’s internal and interpersonal dimensions, outlines four aspects (open-mindedness, curiosity, realism, teachability), and summarizes research showing social, relational and personal benefits, such as improved tolerance, forgiveness and growth. He dispels myths (that humility equals weakness or lack of conviction) and describes ongoing interventions to cultivate humility through listening, education and diverse networks. Van Tongeren argues that embracing being wrong can free individuals to learn, change and preserve authentic values.