There's more than one story towards the end of your book in which it seems that you are setting up to use your clever psychological hacks and conversational strategies to change somebody's mind. Do you think sometimes we're just too desperate to change other people? I do. In the introduction, I try to make it very clear that you really need to ask yourself why you want to do this because I had several experiences after getting what I felt was like, wow, I have this incredible superpower now.
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