Believe Quote by Robin Hanson
“We feel a deep pleasure from realizing that we believe something in common with our friends, and different from most people. We feel an even deeper pleasure letting everyone know of this fact. This feeling is EVIL. Learn to see it in yourself, and then learn to be horrified by how thoroughly it can poison your mind. Yes evidence may at times force you to disagree with a majority, and your friends may have correlated exposure to that evidence, but take no pleasure when you and your associates disagree with others; that is the road to rationality ruin.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Age of Em, Robin Hanson, 2016
Recognizing that shared beliefs with friends can create a false sense of superiority, which can corrupt rational thinking if celebrated.
In simple terms: Enjoying common beliefs with friends can be harmful.
Key Takeaway
Avoid pride in group conformity.
Themes
rationality
group dynamics
ego
bias
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- online communities
- friend groups
- decision making
Key Concepts
social identity
confirmation bias
groupthink
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you notice when you feel superior for shared beliefs?
- What steps can you take to stay humble in group settings?
A Different Perspective
Celebrating disagreement can reinforce echo chambers.
![“Humans who attend directly to vivid cases [of inequality] are capable of great empathy with inequality losers. They are also capable of great compassion and even a desire to help. However, we humans are also quite capable of avoiding contact and exposure that might produce such compassion, and of…” quote by Robin Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ede/robin-hanson-93317_compassion_humans-who-attend-directly-to-vivid-case_415768.jpg)
