Cognitive neuroscientist and author, Bobby Azarian is concerned about what he calls a "stupidity crisis" due to the 'celebration' of a bias, ignorance, overconfidence and numbed out sense of curiosity
Oct 22, 2023·edited Oct 22, 2023Liked by Michael Toebe
I wonder if what Mr. Azarian calls "stupidity" can be more accurately understood as lazy thinking. Becoming aware of our own ignorance is a vital aspect of creating a more knowledgeable society, but an even more vital aspect is that we need to become aware of our own laziness, our own lack of willingness to delve deeper, think more broadly, and question what we are told. I also wonder if the much talked about Dunning-Kruger effect is not as much an underestimate of our understanding but a laziness of people to accept easy answers. That would seem to better describe the reality that social factors are influencing people's decision making.
Mr. Azarian's wording is pointed and likely well received and supported by many yet I side more with your wording.
Maybe it's a case of semantics yet lazy thinking, biased thinking and accepting easy answers is a smart, accurate evaluation in my opinion.
I also certainly agree with you expressing that "our own lack of willingness to delve deeper, think more broadly, and question what we are told," is a critical flaw. We are too trusting, happy in our echo chambers due to our emotions and easily duped into biases.
I wonder if what Mr. Azarian calls "stupidity" can be more accurately understood as lazy thinking. Becoming aware of our own ignorance is a vital aspect of creating a more knowledgeable society, but an even more vital aspect is that we need to become aware of our own laziness, our own lack of willingness to delve deeper, think more broadly, and question what we are told. I also wonder if the much talked about Dunning-Kruger effect is not as much an underestimate of our understanding but a laziness of people to accept easy answers. That would seem to better describe the reality that social factors are influencing people's decision making.
Mr. Azarian's wording is pointed and likely well received and supported by many yet I side more with your wording.
Maybe it's a case of semantics yet lazy thinking, biased thinking and accepting easy answers is a smart, accurate evaluation in my opinion.
I also certainly agree with you expressing that "our own lack of willingness to delve deeper, think more broadly, and question what we are told," is a critical flaw. We are too trusting, happy in our echo chambers due to our emotions and easily duped into biases.