We’re emerging from the pandemic’s master class in uncertainty. So it’s time to make hay with our newfound knowledge of being okay with not knowing.
That’s fertile ground to practice unlearning, for example. Unlocking a fixed mindset and questioning your beliefs and biases fuels personal growth.
It’s also the ticket to future-proofing yourself, according to economist and author Tyler Cowen:
I think the future belongs to people who are what I call meta-rational. That is, people who realize their own limitations.
In other words, your awareness of your capacity for reason and logic can be the secret to your success.
Love Your Limitations
It’s understandable to worry about letting constraints shape your future. After all, we’re constantly told limitations are mostly in our heads. Just do it, right?
According to Cowen, that can be a trap, particularly in our “world of algorithms.” As he points out:
Not all the skills that you think are so valuable actually will matter in the future. Don’t just feel good about yourself, but think critically: What am I actually good at that will complement emerging sectors and emerging technologies?
Better to know when to defer to an expert (even if it’s AI, which it will be). That’s meta-rationality and a sign of higher intelligence.
For example, in scientific experiments with monkeys and dolphins, both demonstrated awareness of when they couldn’t answer a question. Monkeys had to judge a dot-filled screen as dense or sparse. Similarly, dolphins were tasked with identifying low vs. high tones. When researchers presented unclear scenarios, both species indicated their uncertainty.
So, don’t be afraid to make like a monkey, dolphin, or even Jeff Spicoli. Then see what you can do to change things.
Meta-Rational Minds Prevail
Of all of the types of rationality, Cowen states meta-rationality is the rarest. That’s why he says good judgment is increasingly more important than plain ol’ smarts.
Luckily, even in our era of deep fakes and conflicting realities, becoming better at finding and following trustworthy advice is a learnable skill.
Cowen counsels seeking reputable mentors and pursuing “intense online experimentation.” That includes things like consuming well-researched podcasts or blogs and taking advantage of online education. By combining in-person and virtual learning opportunities, you can better make informed decisions and overcome limitations.
And through it all, be humble. As Cowen points out, you can always go online and find someone who’s doing better than you. Skip the cycle of “compare and despair” by dropping your ego. Instead, use what others offer to energize and inspire your evolution.
Ultimately, it’s not just about what you know. It’s what you know about what you don’t know that helps you grow.
Thinking About Thinking with Tyler Cowen (The Knowledge Project)
