Epistemic Humility: The Power of “I Don’t Know”

By Sarah Wheeler, M.Ed., M.S.Founder | Building Bridges Global™

There’s something sacred about saying: “I don’t know.”

Not as a deflection. Not as a weakness. But as a declaration of truth.

In a world, and a profession, so often built around having answers, certainty, and confidence, those three words can feel like rebellion. Especially in interpreting, education, or leadership roles, we’re trained to sound sure. To be quick. To get it right.

Epistemic Humility: The Power of “I Don’t Know”

But here’s what I’ve learned: Certainty doesn’t always build trust. Presence does. And sometimes the most powerful presence we can offer is the ability to pause, reflect, and say:

I’m not sure… but I’m here with you. I don’t know… but I’m committed to learning.

That’s epistemic humility, the willingness to acknowledge the limits of our knowledge, especially when it matters most.

What Is Epistemic Humility?

Epistemic humility is the recognition that our knowledge is always incomplete, shaped by context, and in relationship with others. It asks:

• What don’t I know yet?

• Whose perspectives are missing?

• What assumptions might I be holding without realizing it?

  
  

This form of humility is especially vital in interpreting, where we navigate between languages, cultures, emotions, and systems. In emotionally charged spaces, like medical appointments, courtrooms, or community meetings—interpreters often feel pressure to perform flawlessly.

But performance without reflection can lead to harm.

Emotional Intelligence Means Making Room for Uncertainty

One of the core competencies of emotional intelligence is reality testing, the ability to see situations as they are, not just as we wish them to be. That includes recognizing when we don’t have all the answers.

When we combine epistemic humility with emotional intelligence, we get something powerful:

• The ability to regulate our impulse to fix, prove, or polish

• The capacity to stay present in discomfort

• The wisdom to let connection come before control

  
  

And in leadership, in interpreting, in cross-cultural relationships, this changes everything.

“I Don’t Know” Builds Connection, Not Distance

Too often, professionals fear that admitting they don’t know will make them lose credibility. But the opposite is often true.

Saying I don’t know (with presence and care) sends a powerful message:

• I value truth over performance.

• I respect your lived experience.

• I’m open to learning from you.

  
  

Whether you're interpreting in a Deaf-led space, leading a team, or sitting with someone in crisis, this kind of honesty opens a door to mutual growth.

For Interpreters, Humility Is a Skillset

In interpreter education, we often talk about accuracy, ethics, or register. But what about self-awareness? What about the skill of not pretending to know more than we do?

Epistemic humility allows us to:

• Name cultural or linguistic gaps without shame

• Seek context before assuming intent

• Stay grounded in integrity instead of ego

As interpreters, our job isn’t to perform perfection. It’s to hold space for meaning to emerge, in real time, with all its nuance and uncertainty.

So What Does This Look Like in Practice?

Here are a few ways to embody epistemic humility in your work:

Instead of answering immediately, say:

“That’s a great question. I want to think about it a bit more.”

When interpreting a culturally complex or ambiguous moment:

“I want to flag this moment for clarification, it may carry specific meaning I don’t want to oversimplify.”

In leadership or Deaf needs/perspectives:

“I’m still learning in this area, and I’d appreciate your perspective.”

In relationships:

“I didn’t realize that. Can you help me understand more?”

Final Thought

Epistemic humility is not about shrinking. It’s about right-sizing. About making room for other perspectives, for growth, for truth. It’s not a lack of confidence, it’s a deeper kind of courage.

Because in a world full of knowledge and answers, sometimes the most trustworthy thing we can say is: “I don’t know… but I’m here for it.”

Ready to explore emotional intelligence in your own work?

Check out our Interpreter School™, join our next reflective workshop, or subscribe for weekly prompts on EQ, presence, and real-world growth.