Are you smart or dumb? What would you rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10? I guess that the majority of people will mark themselves as above average. Obviously, being smart is something extraordinary thing that anyone wants to possess. There’s hardly anyone who doesn’t want to be smart. But do you know about the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Here’s the twist. Even if you are smart, do you really think that you actually are? Or if you think you are dumb and possess no confidence, have you looked closer?
If not it’s the right time to go into self-analysis and look for yourself because sometimes it’s not what it seems or we believe. Using quotes doesn’t make you smarter. You know paradox.
So, recently we created a poll on Instagram where we asked people what if life allows them to choose one of the following for the rest of their lives:
For many of us, it’s a crossroads. It is a really hard choice to make. But as expected majority of people chose option A, only a few people went with option B, and the rest just couldn’t able to pick up (probably the confused ones). But somewhere they also thought of option A but that unlucky pattern stopped them.
Although, that was just a trick question because we really want to know how many people really think of being smart. As I said, before reaching anything you should do self-analysis. Maybe you are a victim of the Dunning-Kruger Effect.
In 1999, two psychologists David Dunning and Justin Kruger came up with this phenomenon of illusory superiority.
This always remains a fact that dumb or less-skilled people always overestimate themselves whereas smart ones always underestimate themselves or sometimes even possess low confidence perhaps they thought that if it was easy for them, then it was easy for everyone.
However, Dunning and Kruger emphasized that the effect they had identified does not imply that people always overestimate their knowledge or competence.
It can better be understood by an example. For instance, in reality, in shows like American Idol or Indian Idol when bad singers get rejected they genuinely get disappointed because they don’t realize how bad they are.
Another example is a study published in 2018 indicating that people with very little knowledge about politics and Government are more likely than others to overestimate their knowledge of those topics.
Actually, we are not good at evaluating ourselves. As I said the majority of people will estimate themselves above average.
In another study, 80% of American drivers described themselves as having above-average driving skills.
Essentially low ability people do not possess the skills needed to recognize their own incompetence or lack of knowledge. Their poor self-awareness leads them to overestimate their own capabilities.
What this indicates is that less skilled people are more confident in their lives just because they don’t know what they don’t know.
That’s why it’s hard to win an argument against smart people but nearly impossible to win against dumb ones.
Smart people do possess some exceptional qualities but they often make some other mistakes. They mostly underestimate their ability by seeing others in confidence.
This is all just a paradox bridge between the skilled & less-skilled people that are influencing the level of confidence you exert.
Someone said it right. The more we study the less we know about it. The more you know, the more you get yourself in doubt and the more you realize how much you don’t know.
So, putting all the things together here comes the conclusion:
It’s a plot twist
But now you can confidently say: “I don’t know” and just walk by and study and educate yourself as much as possible. Thinking you are always right is a sign of foolishness. This is why it’s best not to assume or speak with absolutes.
Now tell me Are you Smart or Dumb? Here is the comment section.
Like and Share this post, after all, we’ve given you a topic that can be used when you are losing an argument or debate. Have a great day!
I'm not an expert astrophotographer, nor do I claim to be. I'm just a regular…
Have you ever wondered why it seems like journalists or news anchors today aren't asking…
I'm so excited to share this incredible interview that Colleen did with my co-author Deepak…
Have you ever heard someone say, "Kids these days are so soft?" It's a phrase…
Have you ever heard of a single cabbage feeding 275 people? No? Well, let me…
When I was in school, we were always taught that planning is essential for every…
View Comments
I thoroughly enjoyed the read. I've been there - If it's easy for me, it is so for everyone around. I realised it's a wrong assumption quite late.
Smart or dumb? Maybe, I need a term like ambivert - smart at certain cases and dumb at few others. I believe it's the knowledge and experience levels that broaden the path towards smartness.
Only you can know your true potential.
And I've read your blogs and I can say you have that.
It's always the golden way to educate yourself as much as you can.
Thanks Anisha for sharing your views. 🙂
That's so kind of you to say that. I agree, learning has no limits.
You're welcome! ☺
♤ I AM “Dumb” as Defined by Others, especially Parents/Other ‘Authority’ and “Smart” as Defined by Me; in short this means I Don’t Give a Flying damn what Others THINK!!! of Me whether They Have a Superiority and/or Inferiority Complex when in My Presence
…♤♤♤…
You the man 😁
Only you can know who you are. Let other speaks because that's what they do.
And this is really great that you believe Yourself.
ON EVOLUTION AND 'THE ONLY CONSTANT IS CHANGE'
◇ - Diamond Hard - ◇
◇ There ARE Three Important Aspects of Evolving EveryOne; which ARE:
◇ Accept; especially that which is NOT!!! in Our Control
◇ Adjust; because things ARE Constantly Changing
◇ Adapt; ergo Expire or Evolve by Being Survival Of The Fittest
...so, In Summary, I Suggest YOU!!! Admit, Acknowledge and Address YOUR!!! MMHI (Multiple Mental Health Issues) from YOUR!!! Conditioned UpBringing and BeCome Accustomed to YOUR!!! Current State of Being; then Evolve or Deny by Drifting Off in to Dotty Old Age and Dying as a Miserable Old Grump...
nisi mortuus nec neque nolite vicit 🤭🤫🤐
◇ - Diamond Hard - ◇
...◇◇◇...
ON PARENTAL CONDITIONING FROM PARENTS, TEACHERS AND OTHER AUTHORITY
◇ - Diamond Hard - ◇
◇ Accept What Resonates then Respectfully Reject The Rest; after ALL who can Genuinely, Authentically, Honestly Say that 'I AM NEVER!!! EVER!!! WRONG!!!' 🤔 ?
nisi mortuus nec neque nolite vicit 🤭🤫🤐
◇ - Diamond Hard - ◇
...◇◇◇...
ON BEING A SUCCESS
◇ - Diamond Hard - ◇
◇ Only YOU!!! Decide what Successful Means to YOU!!! and to YOU!!! Alone but NOT!!! Lonely; purely Impressing Others is Totally UnSuccessful in My View
nisi mortuus nec neque nolite vicit 🤭🤫🤐
◇ - Diamond Hard - ◇
...◇◇◇...
I don't think that being intellectually clever is the same thing as being smart
Being clever have the amount of ingenuity and can be skillful, witty, intentive.
While being smart used in broader sense as a discernment and discretion. (In a good way)
But sometimes having both is good for you.
I m not dumb nor smart ....but i know that who is...u know also....
......but this concept of dunning is much interesting then i was thinking.....it keep my interest on reading don't get my mind distract....i like ur blog wisely....
Thankyou Anonymous 😀
It would be better if you mentioned your name.
Anyway thanks for reading.
A very interesting post. What has intrigued me for quite some time is the recognition now of more than one type of intelligence. So, it was originally postulated that there wre seven types of intelligence, but it seems to have expanded to nine.
It’s true we never stop learning (or we shouldn’t). A good way to go through life is to see if you can learn a new thing every day. Today I learnt a number of new songs 😊
True words.
We learn something each and every day but sometimes we don't realise unless the right time comes.
And thankyou for this appreciation.
Am glad you find this interesting.
What is the definition of smart? Is it a measure of intellectual capability? Or knowing your limitations and when to work together?
An insightful read.
There isn't any actually.
As I said if you think you're smart, it is likely that you are missing something.
So to say that you are smart might help you with built your confidence, but there isn't any limit of smartness.
That's why it's right to educate yourself as much as you can.
nice to meet you!
Enjoy my friend 😉
I'm smart enough to question my possible dumbness. : )
I'm smart enough to question the possibility of my dumbness. : )
Haha! Well that's a smart move.
: )
Very true words.
Its all about confidence and level of knowledge and its awareness.
Whereas people consider me smart, i consider myself dumb..
Feel energised with your post.
Thankyou.
Am glad you find this interesting.
Smart or dumb? I swing either ways. There is so much to learn in this world and unless we leave our know-it-all egoistic self behind, there won't be any space in our mind to learn anything new.
Enjoyed reading your post.Keep up the good work.
Thankyou Ramya Vivek
You said it right. Just keep reading. Keep learning. Keep upgrading. Keep enjoying
And yes don't forget to keep smiling.
Sure. Thanks Ritish👍
I love it! I think I definitely go by that quote "all I know is I know nothing."
Even though knowing "nothing" seems extreme...it's still true, because reality is subjective. Maybe only math is universally objective? But like some say above, who's to say what smart or dumb is? Who knows?!
I certainly don't! :)
Haha! That's why it's better to not speak with absolutes.
Because you don't know what you're missing. And that is really strange.
And yeah! Math may be universally objective.(PS:- may be) 😀
Keep Upgrading ourselves is the only way.
Am glad you loved it.
Have a great day
Lovely post!
For the question smart or dumb, I’ll just take I don’t know and keep working harder.
The truth about life is that there is so much to learn.
There really are a lot of things that we don’t know.
Could it be that confidence aids luck?
I always get to see both the smart and the dumb going through similar experiences.
Let’s just equip ourselves for the opportunities ahead.
Really creative and logical post you’ve put up here.
You get it all. That's what I said.
Thanks for sharing your views.
You are welcome.
I love the creativity in your writing.
They seem philosophical.
You are way too kind.
Thankyou
♡ 10 "Dumb"; yet wondering why any would ask me how "dumb" I AM
...♡♡♡...
Haha! Should I remove that Q mark.
♡ Yes
...♡♡♡...
😂
Really informative and good read as well. I always thought I was smart, now I know I am a dumb 😝😝 Thanks for making me realise it 😄😄😄
Haha! No you're not. Infact, you don't even know that 😁
See that dumb I am 😄😄😄
You're trying to prove yourself dumb. 😁😁. But I think that is the sign of smartness.
It means you ultimately failed to prove.
Nice try 😉
Very thought provoking post!
I'm really glad you find it worthy.
I'm just a country girl of average intelligence (I think!) but find it very annoying to have people with a high IQ remind me of it frequently. To me, that has nothing to do with how you function in the world or with other people. We need to worry more about our kindness level and less about how smart or dumb we are. Your article got me thinking!
People are very ignorant towards these things. Or you can say it is just a human nature to be superior.
But whatever I'm glad you find this interesting. Keep smiling and reading.
I enjoy reading your article very much, I wish you much success, and I would like to invite you to follow my blog to 🌹🌻thank you so much 🤗
Thankyou for your kind words.
We'll surely take a tour to your blog soon.
Keep reading & writing
Sure will and thank you so much for your kindness 🌹🤗
AMAZING post. 🤣 they don't know what they don't know. It is really hard to argue with a dumb people. I think high self esteem is connected to depression. I think to be unaware about our's lows will be good for many of us. Nice and amazing post.🙏🙏
Yes, sometimes Intelligence is positively correlated with mental illness. Human life is existential horror. 😁
You are right ritish. Thanks for introducing me such good phenomenon duning Kruger's effect. 🙏
Alright, carefully use this effect when you are about to lose a debate. 😁
😎 you are true. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
I’m as dumb as a door nail
'Doornail' phrase still in use?
I thought it was dead 😁
Haha 😂
Nope 👎
Something’s never die
Strange. 😀