Why People Are So Confident When They’re Wrong

In this Veritasium deep dive, Derek Muller unpacks the quirkiest (and most dangerous) cognitive bias: overconfidence. You’ll see why we all tend to think we’re right more often than we actually are—from the classic Dunning-Kruger trap to the brain’s love of shortcuts—and why a little self-assured swagger can sometimes serve you well. Along the way, real-life cautionary tales (like Nick Leeson and the collapse of one of England’s oldest banks) drive home what happens when confidence outpaces competence.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. You’ll get tips on hunting down honest feedback, reigning in your inner know-it-all, and even hear about a new tabletop game designed to bust overconfidence. By the end, you’ll understand both the perils and perks of being sure of yourself—and how to keep your ego in check.

Watch on YouTube