Freakonomics Radio How to Change Your Mind (Ep. 379 Update)
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Mar 17, 2022 
Robert Sapolsky, a professor of neuroscience and biology at Stanford, and Francis Fukuyama, a political scientist also from Stanford, dive into the barriers preventing mind changes. They discuss the ego, social pressures, and the psychological costs that inhibit political figures from shifting positions. The dialogue highlights how cognitive dissonance affects political beliefs and the complexities of global governance. Additionally, they explore the dual nature of humanity, balancing cruelty with cooperation, and the importance of flexible thinking in fostering understanding.
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Openness to Novelty
- People are more open to new experiences when they are younger.
- This openness declines with age, following a similar pattern in humans and rats.
Kerry's Flip-Flopping
- John Kerry's changing stances during the 2004 presidential campaign hurt his image.
- This highlighted the political cost of changing one's mind.
Fukuyama's Iraq War Reversal
- Francis Fukuyama initially supported the Iraq War but later changed his mind.
- He found many unwilling to admit the war was a mistake despite growing evidence.