"The less one knows, the more he thinks he knows, and the more willing he is to employ any and all measures to enforce his views upon others"

Paul Harris's quote looks into the concept of "illusory supremacy", a cognitive bias where people overstate their understanding or proficiency in a particular domain. This phenomenon, often related to the Dunning-Kruger effect, recommends that individuals with limited understanding or knowledge are susceptible to overconfidence, wrongly thinking they have greater understanding than they in fact do.

In the context of the quote, Harris suggests that when individuals have restricted knowledge, they may establish a false sense of self-confidence concerning their understanding of complex concerns. This overconfidence can lead them to feel warranted in their views, despite their lack of depth in knowledge or nuance. The expression "the more he believes he understands" highlights the arrogance that can accompany ignorance. This perceived self-assuredness ends up being a driving force, moving these people to enforce their views on others.

Harris likewise suggests an escalation in behavior: the less knowledgeable an individual is, the more impassioned or aggressive they might become in expressing their viewpoints or beliefs. The willingness to "utilize any and all steps" highlights a prospective propensity towards dogmatism and intolerance. This can manifest in various ways, from vehement arguing to utilizing social platforms to spread their beliefs, often without significant factual support.

The quote functions as a cautionary reminder of the threats of lack of knowledge paired with conceit. It encourages self-awareness and humbleness in acknowledging the limits of one's understanding and the significance of constant knowing. In social and social contexts, it underscores the value of dialogue and receptivity over stiff dogmatism, advocating for respectful exchanges of ideas rather than forceful impositions. Ultimately, Harris's message promotes vital thinking and the continuous questioning of one's understanding as a method to foster smarter and more informed viewpoints.