Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford Cautionary Conversation: The Conspiracy Theorist Who Changed His Mind
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Oct 21, 2022 
Joining Tim Harford is David McRaney, a belief and persuasion expert and host of "You Are Not So Smart." The podcast dives into the journey of Charlie Veitch, a former 9/11 conspiracy theorist who had his mind changed after visiting Ground Zero. They discuss the emotional toll of changing beliefs and the backlash from his community. David shares insights on the challenges of persuasion in a polarized world and explores the power of empathetic conversations in transforming entrenched opinions.
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Charlie Veitch's Transformation
- Charlie Veitch, a 9/11 truther, traveled to Ground Zero for a BBC documentary.
- He aimed to solidify his conspiracy beliefs but ended up changing his mind.
Emotional Roots of Conspiracy
- Emotional needs often drive people towards conspiracy theories, not just facts.
- Community and validation are strong motivators, especially for those feeling isolated.
The BBC Experiment
- The BBC documentary took truthers to Ground Zero, introduced them to experts, and even used flight simulators.
- Despite this, most remained unconvinced, highlighting the resistance to changing beliefs.
