Ten Ways To Defuse Political Arrogance:

Blankenhorn contends that intellectual humility, a centuries-old virtue embraced by figures such as Socrates, David Hume, and Benjamin Franklin, offers the best antidote to this political arrogance. He defines it as the recognition that one’s beliefs may be fallible and the willingness to consider opposing viewpoints. He highlights its benefits, noting that humility fosters empathy, strengthens leadership, and enhances decision-making. In a democratic society, intellectual humility is vital because it promotes open discussion, rational argument, and civility—qualities necessary for sustaining a functioning political system. Without it, polarization and ideological rigidity threaten to grind democracy to a halt.

The article also explores the balance between humility and conviction, using historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Václav Havel as examples of leaders who held strong beliefs while remaining open to dialogue. True intellectual humility, Blankenhorn argues, does not mean passivity or lack of conviction; rather, it allows for firm principles while acknowledging human limitations. By fostering a culture that values humility—through education, media, and community engagement—society can encourage a more constructive and less divisive political landscape.

To that end, Blankenhorn proposes ten concrete steps to cultivate intellectual humility. These range from promoting it in education and academia to reforming political discourse and fostering better social interactions. He advocates for changes such as reintroducing respectful customs in government, establishing ethical guidelines for social media, and encouraging cross-partisan conversations in communities. Ultimately, he insists that intellectual humility must be actively practiced and reinforced by societal institutions, offering hope that by embracing it, democracy can be preserved and strengthened.

The full article can be found here.