The conflict between instinct and expertise manifests when individuals encounter expert information that contradicts their personal beliefs or feelings. This occurs across the political spectrum, where both the far-left and far-right may converge on conspiratorial thinking, rooted in a skepticism towards established institutions such as journalism or science. The phrase 'facts don't care about your feelings' exposes a critical misunderstanding, as confidence and certainty are inherently emotional states. Trust in experts is eroded when personal intuition or gut feelings override factual evidence. A notable example arises in settings where polarized individuals engage constructively; they may reject expert guidance from institutions like the CDC, relying instead on a subjective 'smell test' to assess credibility. This reliance on instinct emphasizes a deeply ingrained belief in personal experience and intuition over expert advice, particularly in situations involving significant responsibilities, such as business leadership, where gut feelings can influence operational decisions.