When people preface their statements with phrases like "I'm no expert, but..." or "I'm no historian, but...", they are essentially expressing a disclaimer or a qualification. The true meaning behind these statements is to signal that they may lack formal expertise or in-depth knowledge on the topic they are about to discuss. By making this disclaimer, they are trying to manage expectations and not come across as authoritative or claiming to be an authority on the subject.
The intention behind using such phrases can vary:
Humility: It can be a way for individuals to show humility and acknowledge their limitations. They are acknowledging that they might not have all the facts or that their understanding might be limited.
Self-deprecation: In some cases, people may use these phrases as a form of self-deprecating humor to make light of their lack of expertise while still offering their opinion or perspective.
Credibility: By stating their lack of expertise upfront, they may hope that others will take their words with a grain of salt and not treat their opinions as if they were coming from an authoritative source.
Regarding whether you should believe them or not, it depends on the context and the specific topic being discussed. While it's essential to consider the qualifications and expertise of the person speaking, it doesn't necessarily mean their opinions or insights are entirely invalid. People can have valuable perspectives and insights, even if they are not experts in a particular field.
If you encounter such a statement, it's essential to evaluate the information being presented critically. Consider the person's background, the evidence they provide to support their claims, and whether their reasoning is logical. Don't dismiss their thoughts outright solely based on the disclaimer, but also be cautious about accepting their words as absolute truth without further verification, especially on more complex or specialized topics.
In general, a healthy approach is to be open to hearing different viewpoints but also to seek information from reliable and credible sources when forming your own understanding of a subject.