Recently, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has been criticized for “avoiding questions” during her congressional hearing.
She was especially lambasted for this while she was being questioned on the issue of climate change, in which she stated:
"You know, I'm certainly not a scientist, I've read things about climate change. I would not say I have firm views on it." [1]
Some people saw this avoidance as an attempt by Coney Barrett to maintain the support of President Trump while still being honest with herself, a perspective which very well may have some merit.
But, for the sake of an argument, let’s assume that Coney Barrett genuinely wasn’t very well-read on the issue of climate change, and, as she said, did not “have firm views on [climate change].”
I find this to be a sign of great intelligence for two reasons.
First of all, it indicates that she makes up her mind on the issues through research and not blind allegiance to popular opinion. This is something that most people these days simply refuse to do.
The next time that someone voices their political opinion to you, goad them with questions as to why they believe what they do. I’m almost certain they won’t be able to answer. This is because they didn’t actually come up with their opinions; they merely stole them from someone else.
Secondly, Barrett's willingness to admit that she doesn’t know a lot about climate change displays a humility which springs from intelligence and wisdom. Knowing what you don’t know and refusing to voice an opinion on what you don’t know is a rare trait—especially in today’s world, where anyone can express an opinion with a few keystrokes and the click of a button.
Regardless of your opinion on Coney Barrett, her refusal to opine on an issue that she wasn’t well-read on is quite impressive, as well as very indicative of high intelligence.
I’m Komrade Krause and I approve this message.
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