

Cognitive Blindspots That Crush Your Growth
8 snips May 27, 2025
Ever wonder why it's tough to change someone's mind? Dive into the realm of cognitive dissonance and discover how it affects decision-making. Learn how people rationalize harmful choices, often defying logic to preserve their beliefs. Intriguing historical examples highlight the challenge of shifting perspectives, especially on contentious topics. Embrace the complexity of human relationships and recognize the importance of accepting duality for growth. Get ready to challenge your own convictions!
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Cognitive Dissonance Explained
- Cognitive dissonance is a deep psychological mechanism that drives us to reject facts that threaten our beliefs.
- We all pursue consistency with our self-identity, not just those with extreme views.
Heaven's Gate Cult Tragedy
- The cult Heaven's Gate believed a spaceship following a comet would save them, even purchasing a telescope to see it.
- When the telescope failed to show the spaceship, belief did not waver, culminating in 39 suicides.
Rationalizing Harmful Habits
- Smokers rationalize their harmful habit by downplaying risks or citing benefits like anxiety relief or weight control.
- Similarly, unhealthy eaters justify diet lapses through mental balancing acts or denial of evidence.