Why You Believe The Things You Do and Why Facts Don't Change Our Minds

Hatched by Kazuki
Jul 26, 2023
4 min read
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Why You Believe The Things You Do and Why Facts Don't Change Our Minds
Introduction:
People's beliefs are influenced by various factors, including their desire for certainty, the need to protect their reputation, and the search for hope in uncertain times. Beliefs often serve a purpose beyond just discovering the truth. Additionally, humans have a deep desire to belong and form social connections. Convincing someone to change their beliefs is not just about presenting facts, but also about providing them with an alternative tribe where they can maintain their social ties. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind our beliefs and why facts alone are often insufficient to change our minds.
The Power of Beliefs:
During times of crisis, such as the Great Plague of London, people are more susceptible to believing in prophecies, superstitions, and old wives' tales. Beliefs that offer hope and reassurance become more appealing when uncertainty is prevalent. Our beliefs can be shaped by our experiences, memories, and the stories we tell ourselves. We tend to remember the parts of our experiences that confirm our stereotypes and make good stories, leading to a distorted perception of reality. Changing our minds is often difficult because it requires admitting our mistakes, and it is easier to cling to false beliefs than to face the discomfort of uncertainty.
Beliefs as Social Signals:
Beliefs are not just about what we know; they also serve as social signals. Our beliefs reflect our intelligence, our ability to establish reliable truths, and our confidence in our own knowledge. However, what we often seek is not necessarily the truth, but the elimination of uncertainty. This desire to belong to a tribe and gain the approval of others can overshadow the pursuit of truth. We tend to admire leaders who stubbornly stick to their views, even if they are proven wrong, because it signals strength and conviction. The scientific lifestyle, on the other hand, emphasizes the willingness to change one's mind when faced with contradictory information.
The Influence of Social Connections:
Steven Pinker highlights the role of beliefs in gaining allies, protectors, or disciples, rather than seeking the truth. Humans are social creatures, and our survival has historically depended on our ability to fit in and bond with others. Being cast out from a tribe was often a death sentence. Therefore, people often prioritize their social connections over facts when making decisions. Changing someone's mind requires not only presenting facts but also providing them with an alternative tribe where they can maintain their social ties. Friendship and a sense of belonging have a greater impact on changing beliefs than mere facts.
Creating a Safe Environment for Open-Mindedness:
To promote open-mindedness and the willingness to consider new ideas, it is essential to provide a psychologically safe environment. The closer we are to someone, the more likely their beliefs will influence our thinking. Books can be powerful tools for transforming beliefs because they allow the conversation to take place inside one's head, without the fear of judgment. Silence is detrimental to the spread of ideas, and repetition plays a crucial role in shaping beliefs. Therefore, it is more productive to champion good ideas and share them, rather than focusing on tearing down bad ideas.
Approaching Conversations with Kindness:
When engaging in discussions or arguments, it is important to remember that most people argue to win, not to learn. To truly change someone's mind, it is necessary to approach the conversation with kindness and empathy. Arguing to win often breaks down the reality of the other person, causing them to become defensive and resistant to change. Instead, developing a friendship, sharing a meal, or gifting a book can create a sense of kinship and increase the likelihood of changing someone's mind.
Actionable Advice:
- 1. Embrace intellectual humility: Be open to changing your mind when faced with new information or contradictory evidence. Avoid intellectual inertia and seek the truth rather than protecting your ego or reputation.
- 2. Foster diverse social connections: Surround yourself with people who hold different beliefs and perspectives. Engage in respectful discussions, listen actively, and be open to learning from others. This will broaden your understanding and challenge your own beliefs.
- 3. Share good ideas: Instead of focusing on tearing down bad ideas, invest your energy in championing good ideas. Share them with others, engage in meaningful conversations, and create an environment that encourages open-mindedness and intellectual growth.
Conclusion:
Our beliefs are influenced by a variety of factors, and changing someone's mind requires more than presenting facts. Beliefs serve social functions and are deeply connected to our need for belonging and social approval. To foster open-mindedness and promote the willingness to change beliefs, it is important to create a psychologically safe environment, approach conversations with kindness, and prioritize the sharing of good ideas. By understanding the complexities of belief formation and the power of social connections, we can navigate the challenges of changing minds and promoting intellectual growth.
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