The Conflict Between Instinct and Expertise

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.