"Why You Believe The Things You Do" and "Lists - AVC" are two seemingly unrelated topics, but upon closer examination, they share common themes of human behavior, cognitive biases, and the impact of beliefs on decision-making. Both articles delve into the reasons behind why people believe certain things and how those beliefs can be influenced by various factors.

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Aug 27, 2023

3 min read

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"Why You Believe The Things You Do" and "Lists - AVC" are two seemingly unrelated topics, but upon closer examination, they share common themes of human behavior, cognitive biases, and the impact of beliefs on decision-making. Both articles delve into the reasons behind why people believe certain things and how those beliefs can be influenced by various factors.

In "Why You Believe The Things You Do," the article explores the idea that what we believe to be true is often influenced by our desires and the need to cope with uncertainty. When faced with a crisis like the Great Plague of London, people were more susceptible to believing in prophecies and superstitions as a source of hope. Additionally, the article highlights the phenomenon of cognitive biases, which can lead us to believe in falsehoods rather than admitting our mistakes.

Similarly, in "Lists - AVC," the article discusses the concept of list-making as a way to organize information. It suggests that the internet is essentially made up of lists and that the success of list-making platforms lies in attracting dedicated list-makers. However, despite the potential of list-making as a publishing network, no startup has been able to fully capitalize on it. The article raises questions about the challenges of creating successful list-making platforms and the need for a balance between personal lists and general crowdsourced lists.

One common thread between the two articles is the idea that beliefs and lists are not just about knowledge but also serve as social signals. Beliefs can be used to justify past actions, protect reputations, or signal belonging to a certain group. Similarly, lists can offer insights into an individual's preferences, intelligence, and ability to pass on reliable information. Both articles highlight the importance of understanding the underlying motivations behind beliefs and list-making.

Based on the insights from these two articles, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

  • 1. Be aware of your cognitive biases: Recognize that your beliefs may be influenced by factors such as the desire for certainty or the need to protect your reputation. Take the time to critically evaluate your beliefs and consider alternative perspectives.
  • 2. Embrace intellectual flexibility: Adopt a scientific mindset that values changing your beliefs when faced with new information. Avoid intellectual inertia and be open to challenging your own views. Surround yourself with diverse perspectives to foster intellectual growth.
  • 3. Seek reliable and diverse sources of information: When engaging with lists or seeking information, be mindful of the quality and relevance of the content. Look for sources that are trustworthy, provide insights, and offer different perspectives. Avoid relying solely on one source or falling into herd mentality.

In conclusion, the articles "Why You Believe The Things You Do" and "Lists - AVC" shed light on the complex nature of human beliefs and the potential of list-making as a publishing platform. By understanding the underlying factors that influence beliefs and embracing intellectual flexibility, we can navigate the vast landscape of information more effectively. Additionally, by seeking reliable and diverse sources of information, we can make more informed decisions and avoid falling into the trap of false beliefs.

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