A lot of people are kind of, we all like to think of ourselves as people who should be able to change other people's minds. I was quite interested by the response because lots of people came to me and said, well, I enjoyed the book. We have to develop the generational equivalent of washing your hands when it comes to misinformation. This is what Tom Stafford told me.
Here’s a special bonus episode featuring my recent conversation with Tim Harford, author, economic journalist, and host of the Cautionary Tales podcast. We discussed a story from my new book, How Minds Change, about a conspiracy theorist who was certain 9/11 was an inside job until he actually visited Ground Zero to meet architects, engineers and the relatives of the dead. Tim and I reflect on what he can teach us about those who hold strong beliefs even in the face of damning, contrary evidence and why persuasion, especially if attempted poorly, isn't always the right answer.
• Hear more from Cautionary Tales at https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/ctsmart
• How Minds Change: https://www.davidmcraney.com/howmindschangehome