Psychologist debunks 8 myths of mass scale | Todd Rose

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Nov 7, 2025

Todd Rose, a former Harvard faculty member and psychologist, sheds light on collective illusions—widespread beliefs that aren't true. He reveals how we often misunderstand success, believing wealth equates to happiness, while in reality, many crave purpose. Social media amplifies these myths, distorting public perception. Rose highlights that Americans share more common ground than perceived divisions suggest, emphasizing the importance of individuality and critical thinking to break free from societal myths.

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INSIGHT

Collective Illusions Distort Public Opinion

Collective illusions make public opinion a distorted "funhouse of mirrors" that hides private views.
Todd Rose urges revealing private opinions to dismantle those illusions and enable social change.

ADVICE

Use Private-Opinion Methods

Ask people both what they think and what they believe others would say to surface hidden private opinions.
Use private-opinion methods to reveal true majority views free of social pressure.

INSIGHT

Fame Isn't What People Privately Value

Most Americans privately prioritize personal fulfillment over fame, status, and power.
Yet public institutions and culture are built around the false assumption that fame equals success.

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Psychologist Todd Rose debunks 8 myths so mainstream we all believe them. Collective illusions — false assumptions about society that many people share — have existed for thousands of years in many different ways. Today, because of social media and modern technology, they have become even more common. One example of a collective illusion is the commonly held belief that everyone wants fame, wealth, and power. That’s not true. Most of us want lives of purpose and meaning. But because of false assumptions, many of us spend our lives chasing things that won’t fulfill us. Another example of a collective illusion is the pervasive idea that the U.S. Is an irredeemably divided nation. Sure, Americans have plenty of disagreements. But fundamentally, they have more in common than they might think. As former Harvard professor and bestselling author Todd Rose explains, the antidote to collective illusions is becoming a more authentic individual, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of how our innate drive to conform to social norms often works against that. 0:00 What is a “collective illusion”? 2:43 How myths invade private opinion 4:54 Myth: Other people can’t be trusted 8:32 Myth: Success is wealth, status, and power 11:12 Myth: Social media reveals what society thinks 13:56: Myth: Group consensus is vetted and factual 17:53: Myth: Elite jobs matter to us 21:11 Myth: America is on the verge of civil war 24:18 Myth: People want university degrees 26:57 Myth: Cultural norms exist to protect you ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Todd Rose: Todd Rose is the co-founder and president of Populace, a think tank committed to ensuring that all people have the opportunity to pursue fulfilling lives in a thriving society. Prior to Populace, he was a faculty member at Harvard University where he founded the Laboratory for the Science of Individuality and directed the Mind, Brain, and Education program. Todd is the best selling author of Collective Illusions, Dark Horse, and The End of Average. He lives in Burlington, Massachusetts. ----------------------------------------09:49-15

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