PlainGeets

“Mieux vaut tête bien faite que tête bien pleine.”

(It’s better to have a well-shaped head than a well-filled head)

At the recently opened exhibition on Humanism at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, I was reminded of one of the most well-known quotes by the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne and its relevance in the 21st century. 

At first blush, Montaigne’s statement might seem quaintly outdated and even illogical. In an era where information is readily available at our fingertips, and specialized knowledge is often seen as the key to professional success, shouldn’t we strive to “fill our heads” with as much information as possible? However, Montaigne argued that a well-filled head, overflowing with facts and figures, could become a burden. It could lead to rigidity in thinking, an inability to make connections, and a susceptibility to information overload. Though written centuries ago, these words offer a valuble perspective on navigating the complexities of learning and adaptability in a rapidly evolving world.

Advocating instead for a “tête bien faite,” i.e. one that is characterized by critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a thirst for continuous learning, Montaigne builds the case for a head that’s not just passively storing data, but actively engaging with it, weaving it into a tapestry of understanding that can be applied and reapplied in different contexts. This flexible mind can effectively process information, analyse complex situations, and adapt to changing circumstances.

In no other era has Montaigne’s advice been more pertinent and valuable. The pace of technological change, the rise of automation, and the ever-evolving nature of work demand that we, as individuals, develop a high degree of adaptability and learning agility. Memorizing facts and figures might lead to professional success in the short term, but it’s the ability to think critically and solve problems creatively that will ensure long-term success.

Let’s not forget the added nuance of the abundance of information available online which provides as many opportunities as challenges. It may allow for easy access to knowledge, but it also risks creating an echo chamber of confirmation bias and misinformation. A well-made head empowers individuals to critically evaluate information, discern truth from fiction, and form their own informed opinions.

One might argue that Montaigne’s words don’t take into account the importance of domain-specific knowledge in a world where specialised skills are important. A surgeon, for instance, requires a deep understanding of human anatomy and surgical procedures, which goes beyond general critical thinking skills. Similarly, an engineer needs a strong foundation in calculus and physics to design bridges or buildings.

But are their specialised skills enough? More importantly, with the rapid pace of advancement in technology, will they suffice in the future? The ideal scenario is a synergy between deep domain expertise and the flexible, adaptable mindset that Montaigne champions, enabling us to progress by remaining open to new information, evolving technologies, and changing demands of the workplace.

How can we achieve this though? With a concerted effort and change in attitude and focus from educational institutions, empoyers and individuals. Educational institutions need to focus their energies on fostering both critical thinking and domain-specific knowledge, while employers need to create opportunities for continuous learning and skill development within specific fields. But ultimately, the responsibility lies with us to cultivate a “tête bien faite” that is both grounded in expertise and equipped for lifelong learning and adaptation.