Social psychologist Adam Grant believes that the most powerful thing we can do to improve our thinking is to change the way we approach thinking. In Think Again Grant argues that the unmovable beliefs we have are potentially the most dangerous and probably the most likely to be wrong. By cultivating a curious mindset that sees re-learning, re-thinking, and re-assessing beliefs as a positive experience, we can improve as thinkers and human beings.
Grant introduces four types: the preacher, prosecutor, politician, and scientist. The preacher is convinced they are right and tries to convince others they are right. The prosecutor tries to convince someone else they're wrong. The politician tries to win the audience. The scientist looks at the data and constantly re-evaluates their beliefs.
As a preacher I don't love the names of the types :)... but I appreciate the basic insight. Grant urges the reader to "favor humility over pride and curiosity over conviction." When we act as scientists, "You look for reasons why you might be wrong, not just reasons why you must be right."
I resonate with the need to grow in this area. I love the idea of getting a rush from discovering I am wrong about something and experiencing joy in being corrected. The more we can embrace the unknown, the more our curiosity and humility will grow. The challenge is that “We favor the comfort of conviction over the discomfort of doubt,” Grant says.
