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Unable to see their own biases, most people will simply…

“Unable to see their own biases, most people will simply drive each other crazy arguing rather than accept answers that contradict what they already think about the subject. The social psychologist Jonathan Haidt summed it up neatly when he observed that when facts conflict with our values, “almost…” quote by Thomas M. Nichols
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““Unable to see their own biases, most people will simply drive each other crazy arguing rather than accept answers that contradict what they already think about the subject. The social psychologist Jonathan Haidt summed it up neatly when he observed that when facts conflict with our values, “almost everyone finds a way to stick with their values and reject the evidence.”15””

Thomas M. Nichols

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People cling to values and reject evidence, leading to conflict and stubbornness.

In simple terms: Values can blind us to facts.

Key Takeaway

Seek evidence over comfort.

Themes

cognition bias conflict

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political debates
  • media consumption
  • education settings

Key Concepts

confirmation bias motivated reasoning social identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you recognize your own biases?
  • What strategies help discuss evidence without triggering defensiveness?
A Different Perspective

People may resist evidence even when presented calmly.

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