Intellectual Humility

It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.

Doctrine and Covenants 131:6

Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear;

Doctrine and Covenants 136:32

Simply put, learning requires the humility to realize one has something to learn.

Elizabeth J. Krumrei-Mancuso

The scriptures speak often about the need to be humble. Jesus said the “greatest in the kingdom of heaven” is one who “shall humble himself as [a] little child” (Matthew 18:4).

The scriptures also speak often about the need to seek and gain knowledge and to grow in wisdom.

Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.

Doctrine and Covenants 6:7

Humility both precedes and follows wisdom

These two characteristics, wisdom and humility, are intimately connected. Humility is a required prerequisite to gaining any type of knowledge or wisdom. One must acknowledge that you lack something before you will seek it.

In addition, as one increases in knowledge and wisdom, one becomes ever more aware of how much more there is to learn — how much farther one needs to progress.

After Moses saw a vision of the entire world, and all it’s people, he realized that he was only at the beginning of his progress and knowledge.

Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed.

Moses 1:10

Science supports the scriptures on the need for humility

Academia is well aware that intellectual humility accompanies intellectual growth. It has actually been the subject of scientific study. The research indicates that people who are intellectually humble:

• Possess more general knowledge
• Are better at distinguishing facts from fiction
• Are more likely to seek new knowledge
• Seek learning for its own sake rather than for external rewards
• Are more open to considering alternative evidence
• Are more willing to change their minds

Surely these characteristics are desirable and consistent with the gospel. Intellectual humility leads one directly to greater light and knowledge.

Intellectual Humility can be developed

Interestingly, the research found that higher levels of intellectual humility, while associated with possessing more general knowledge, were NOT connected to a person’s cognitive ability. In other words, one’s level of intellectual humility is not related to one’s native mental capacity.

This means that intellectual humility (or any kind of personal humility) is a character trait that one can control and consciously choose to develop. It is a necessary quality we must have if we wish to progress as individuals, and as a society.

And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:28

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Sources:
Eric W. Dolan, “Intellectually humble people tend to possess more knowledge, study finds,” psypost.org, March 31, 2019.
Elizabeth J. Krumrei-Mancuso, Megan C. Haggard, Jordan P. LaBouff & Wade C. Rowatt, “Links between intellectual humility and acquiring knowledge,” The Journal of Positive Psychology, Volume 15, Issue 2, Published online February 14, 2019.
Miguel Martinez-Saenz, “Intellectual Humility: Re-imagining a Democratic Virtue,” Center for Practical Wisdom, University of Chicago, July 12, 2020.
Colleen Slaughter, “Intellectual Humility Can Make you a More Effective Leader,” Authentic Leadership International, May 10, 2017.