Belief Quote by Michael Shermer
“Smart people believe weird things because they are skilled at defending beliefs they arrived at for non-smart reasons.”
About This Quote
Intelligent individuals may cling to beliefs for non‑rational reasons, using their skill to defend them.
In simple terms: Smart people defend irrational beliefs.
Key Takeaway
Question the basis of your convictions.
Themes
cognition
bias
beliefs
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- debates
- political views
- scientific claims
- personal decisions
Key Concepts
rationality
defense mechanisms
ego
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do you defend this belief?
- What evidence challenges it?
A Different Perspective
Smart people can also be rational; not all defenses are irrational.
