The author of “The Death of Expertise” and the content of his renowned work (video)

Tom Nichols was driven to write the book “The Death of Expertise” by the self-confidence of individuals who claim to know everything and understand everything. He observed a troubling trend in which knowledge has become increasingly accessible, but people have simultaneously grown more resistant to learning. For instance, when Nichols mentions that he is an expert on Russia, he often encounters responses like, “Are you an expert on Russia? Well, let me explain Russia to you”. 

In all matters, everyone appears convinced that they possess comprehensive knowledge. It matters little whether someone is a distinguished professor or an unemployed individual; there's a prevailing belief that no one can know more than the other. “There are always people who are confident that they know how to operate, how to negotiate, how to justify. In contemporary times, there is a pervasive rejection of the notion that anyone might possess more knowledge than another. The competence of doctors, diplomats, or lawyers is seldom questioned, but many readily substitute themselves, firmly asserting that they possess knowledge on par with the experts”.

Why and how did people become so indifferent to knowledge, and so disrespectful to the bearer of knowledge? When did the fact become unimportant; ignorance, a sign of pride; not listening, a civic stance; lack of common sense, a democratic achievement? “In a democratic system, freedom is combined with responsibility. Freedom does not mean doing everything. This is a primitive perception of freedom and democracy”.

Tom Nichols expresses concern that in today's society, the opinions of a seasoned scientist with decades of expertise are often considered equally valid as those of a teenager with no practical experience. He cautions that in such societies, democratic institutions struggle to function and evolve. Instead, they tend to promote populism and technocracy.