8th Layer Insights Truth Hurts. So We Lie.
Jun 12, 2025
Dive into the uncomfortable truths about self-deception and the lies we tell ourselves. Explore how cognitive dissonance shapes our beliefs, often leading us to reject unsettling information. Delve into motivated reasoning and its role in defending entrenched views, illustrated through historical examples. Discover the importance of self-awareness and flexible thinking for personal growth, and examine how AI reasoning challenges our understanding of truth and belief. Get ready to confront your own narratives and seek deeper insights!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Why We Defend Beliefs
- We often protect our existing beliefs because changing them is too uncomfortable.
- Our minds defend these beliefs to maintain identity and avoid psychological pain.
Backfire Effect Explained
- When facts threaten identity, people resist or double down, called the backfire effect.
- The brain reacts to such threats like a physical danger, prioritizing self-survival over truth.
Flat Earth Society's Denial
- The Flat Earth Society denied overwhelming evidence by claiming conspiracies.
- Their belief persisted because they needed psychological space to avoid being wrong.