Dunning-Kruger effect

“The Dunning-Kruger effect is the phenomenon whereby people who have little knowledge systematically think that they know more than others who have much more knowledge… Meanwhile, people with true knowledge tended to underestimate their competence.” This can lead to all manner of circular thought processes. I am sure I know more than someone else because I am less confident of my knowledge than them, but my lack of confidence in my knowledge leads me to doubt whether they actually do know less than me. Alternatively, if I know I don’t know much because I know more then those who think they know everything then those who think they know must be really stupid. Or young. Ah, to be young and think you know it all. How refreshing that would be. The fools. via Kottke.