> [is being assertive] compatible with intellectual humility short of actively lying I think so. There are a few humble people at the top. Take Lincoln. He wa

> [is being assertive] compatible with intellectual humility short of actively lying I think so. There are a few humble people at the top. Take Lincoln. He wasn't ethically perfect but set the bar pretty damn high for both success and humility. In your example the only choices are be definitive or lie, but are many choices in between. Check out Merkel's statement about Trump right after the election. She's supposed to congratulate and welcome the new leader of a close western ally. Truth is she's disgusted, is she forced to lie? I think she did a great job not damaging the relationship with her statement, while still signaling her concerns.