The problem lies with us: we've become addicted to experts. We've become addicted to their certainty, their assuredness, their definitiveness, and in the process, we have ceded our responsibility, substituting our intellect and our intelligence for their supposed words of wisdom.
Interpretation
The quote warns against over-reliance on experts, urging individuals to maintain their own intellectual responsibility.
In this quote, Noreena Hertz critiques modern society's dependency on experts, suggesting that people have surrendered their own judgment and critical thinking in favor of the certainty and authority offered by those considered knowledgeable. This addiction to experts can lead to a loss of personal responsibility and intellectual independence, emphasizing the need for individuals to engage with information critically instead of simply deferring to others’ expertise.
In practice
In a debate about the role of science in society, one could quote this to emphasize the importance of independent thinking.
We live increasingly in a world of haves and have-nots, of gated communities next to ghettos, of extreme poverty and unbelievable riches. Some enjoy rights that are completely denied to others. Relative inequalities are exploding, and the world's poorest, despite all the advances of globalisation, may even be getting poorer.
The term 'glass ceiling' was coined in 1984. More than 20 years later, the ceiling has barely cracked. There isn't a single country in the world that has as many female as male politicians. In business, the situation is even worse. Its highest echelon - the board - remains a chauvinist's dream.
Many people come to self-help material because they feel like something is wrong with them or the way they are. The problem is that anything that tells you how to improve your life is also implying that there is something inherently wrong with you the way you are.
Once you master how your own consciousness operates, anything can be desired and achieved.
Don't talk about what you have done or what you are going to do.
The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.
Learn from yesterday, live for today, look to tomorrow, rest this afternoon.
I write about the power of trying, because I want to be okay with failing. I write about generosity because I battle selfishness. I write about joy because I know sorrow. I write about faith because I almost lost mine, and I know what it is to be broken and in need of redemption. I write about gratitude because I am thankful - for all of it.
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