Psychologist Jonathan Haidt has drawn attention to the remarkable paradox of human intelligence and understanding. While higher intelligence allows people to defend their beliefs more vigorously, it does not necessarily increase their ability to understand the perspective of others. The main problem that thinkers in this field have addressed at length is that intelligence alone is not enough to promote a deep understanding of different perspectives. Rather, developing positive attitudes toward others is crucial.
People with high intelligence often act within their intelligence, primarily focusing on reinforcing their existing beliefs and viewpoints. This closed-minded intellectual activity can lead to a situation where these individuals, despite their capacity for complex thinking, find themselves in even greater conflict with others. This phenomenon is exacerbated by a lack of attention to the development of positive attitudes toward diverse opinions in the learning or development process.
The history of intellectual discourse provides several examples where brilliant minds, acting largely within their own beliefs and prejudices, found themselves at odds with others, sometimes leading to serious conflicts and disagreements. During the formative years of quantum mechanics, Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr engaged in a series of public debates about the fundamental nature of reality. Einstein, a determinist, could not accept the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics, stating that “God does not play dice.” Bohr, on the other hand, defended the inherent uncertainty and probabilistic nature of quantum physics. This intellectual clash shows how, even among the most brilliant minds, entrenched beliefs can lead to serious scientific debate and disagreement.
The key to overcoming this barrier is not just acknowledging but actively engaging with other points of view both intellectually and emotionally. This approach involves going beyond one’s own opinions and biases and “dressing up” as the point of view of others. This interaction allows for an empathetic understanding in which one can temporarily accept and understand the mental and emotional state of the other.
The idea here is profound but simple: achieving unity over division. This does not mean that people should abandon their own views, but rather that they recognize and value a plurality of opinions. By doing so, a society can raise its collective consciousness, creating a richer and more diverse intellectual environment in which different views are not seen as obstacles but as opportunities for growth.
Given these ideas, there is an urgent need to integrate these principles into educational systems and social norms. Teaching young people to appreciate and accommodate a diversity of perspectives can potentially lead to a future in which humanity is less divided by individual differences and more united in its diversity. Such education aims not only to promote tolerance but also to foster genuine understanding and empathy in different segments of society.
The vision of a positively connected human society rests on a foundation of understanding and unity. By cultivating relationships that value and integrate diverse opinions, societies can avoid the pitfalls of increasing trouble and conflict. Instead, they can move toward a future where collective wisdom and mutual respect govern social interaction and decision-making processes.
So, while intelligence is an invaluable asset in defending and articulating one’s beliefs, it is the development of empathy and positive regard for others that really enables people to understand and interact with the world around them. Teaching this approach to the next generation is not just desirable; it is necessary for the well-being and development of humanity.
