In the “Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds” article, James Clear explores the topic of why people tend to maintain their opinions on a given subject even if shown these are factually wrong. He posits that people need to feel accepted just as much as, and sometimes more than they need an accurate picture of the world, and social acceptance often rests on shared ideas. First, the author scrutinizes the evolutionary background of the tendency to persist in false beliefs and argues that sharing a belief with others leads to the sense of “being part of a tribe” (Clear). Based on that, he suggests that the best way to convince someone of something is not merely offering facts but providing a social connection – for instance, having a meal together (Clear). In addition, Clear reflects on which people, in terms of personal relationships, are easier to convince. He suggests that, while the bitterest arguments happen between people with considerable differences, “the most frequent learning occurs from people who are nearby” in terms of their beliefs (Clear). Furthermore, he states that false ideas persist because, by being criticized, they get the circulation needed for any idea to survive (Clear). The author argues against being an “intellectual soldier” who seeks to defeat rather than convince the opponents (Clear). Ultimately, what Clear is trying to convey is that people can value social relations above facts, and convincing someone often requires relating to them rather than merely presenting facts.
Work Cited
Clear, James. “Why Facts Don’t Change our Minds.” James Clear, Web.