Hidden Brain Outsmarting Yourself
Sep 18, 2023
Elliot Aronson, a prominent psychologist noted for his work on cognitive dissonance, dives into the fascinating realm of self-justification. He reveals how we create stories to defend our decisions, sometimes leading us astray, but suggests these rationalizations can also serve a positive purpose. The discussion uncovers the moral dilemmas we face and how cognitive dissonance can be a dual-edged sword—harmful yet potentially beneficial in achieving our goals. Aronson shares insights on leveraging this psychological tool for personal growth and social change.
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Cognitive Dissonance
- Cognitive dissonance arises from conflicting thoughts.
- We create stories to reduce this dissonance, like the fox and the sour grapes.
The Pyramid of Choice
- Elliot Aronson describes a cheating scenario to illustrate the pyramid of choice.
- Two students with similar views on cheating make different choices, leading to drastically different justifications.
Scrutinize Important Decisions
- Surround yourself with people who challenge your views, especially for important decisions.
- For trivial decisions, dissonance reduction can be helpful.
