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WW2: How Britain Ignored the Mother of All Secrets

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

NOTE

Cautionary Beliefs in the Face of Evidence

Fond beliefs can lead individuals to distort reality in order to protect their beliefs. In a historical example, despite evidence that the Germans had radar technology, the British hesitated to believe it due to their pride. Winston Churchill had to confirm that British radar sets were destroyed to prevent them falling into German hands. The Germans, in fact, had obtained a British radar during the fall of France and dismissed it as technologically inferior. This cautionary tale showcases how clinging to beliefs can blind individuals to the truth.

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