Using Modest Defidence in Persuasive Communication

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Benjamin Franklin used the technique of expressing his views with 'modest defidence' for better communication and more open-mindedness from others
Adding signals of uncertainty or humility in expressing ideas can lead to people taking them more seriously and even changing their minds
This technique of modest defidence is different from being unsure or wishy-washy about certain beliefs

Podcaster and author Julia Galef talks about her book The Scout Mindset with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Galef urges us to be more rational--to be open-minded about what we might discover about the world--rather than simply defend what we already believe, which she calls the soldier mindset. The conversation is a wide-ranging discussion of our biases and the challenges of viewing the world objectively.