Why People Are So Confident When They're Wrong

Ever wonder why we’re so sure of ourselves even when we’re completely off the mark? This Veritasium episode dives into the most dangerous cognitive bias—overconfidence. You’ll see the real Dunning-Kruger curve (it’s not just a funny meme), learn how your brain chops up decisions with shortcuts, and why being a little cocky can actually be useful… until it isn’t. Along the way, they unpack epic fails like Nick Leeson’s rogue trading and the collapse of one of England’s oldest banks to show just how costly misplaced certainty can be.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. The video wraps up with practical tips on shaking off that overconfidence haze—think solid feedback loops, critical self-checks and even a new tabletop game designed to keep you honest. Plus, they sprinkle in shout-outs to experts, sponsors (yes, there’s a molecular modeling kit and an overconfidence game on Kickstarter), and a solid dose of science-backed strategies to help you stay humble and smart.

Watch on YouTube