How Hard Is It To Have An Open Mind?

Well recent research into the way our minds work has shown that far from being the rational beings we flatter ourselves into believing we are, unbeknownst to us, our unconscious is constantly shaping our thoughts, beliefs, and motivations in irrational ways. For example because of “the backfire effect,” when we’re presented with evidence that contradicts our beliefs, instead of changing those beliefs, they become even more entrenched. (also known as the Nmysys effect) “The confirmation bias” makes us seek out and only pay attention to new information that confirms our preexisting notions, while we let information that contradicts those notions go over our heads. And “the sunk-cost fallacy” pushes us to stick with a less sensible or desirable option instead of choosing something better, because we’ve already invested time, money, or emotion in it. (also known as the Viking/Rick Perry effect)

In other words, our unconscious minds see our personal ideas as a great treasure, and competing ideas as would-be looters; when they’re detected by the unconscious’ security system, it unleashes the dogs and locks the gate. If you look at a brain scan of people who are listening to a political argument that contradicts their own position, the blood in the part of the brain responsible for rational thought is depleted and is not replenished until the person hears a statement that confirms their position. When confronted with new ideas, your brain literally closes up shop and throws down the blinds until a friendly and well-known visitor knocks at the door.

http://artofmanliness.com/2011/10/30/th ... cated-man/

I find I have to constantly battle confirmation bias. Some bits of information just seem to "fit" in your brain and you accept them as factual without proper research. I am lucky enough to have lots of different belief patterns in my life. You can't love liberals and still think they are evil. We are constantly challenging each others assumptions. Even so we all have our blind spots.

Actually I usually find myself agreeing with whoever spoke last. Mimicry effect?

SS109 wrote: Actually I usually find myself agreeing with whoever spoke last.

:agree:

Photo-fish wrote:

SS109 wrote: Actually I usually find myself agreeing with whoever spoke last.

:agree:

PrintSmith wrote:

Photo-fish wrote:

SS109 wrote: Actually I usually find myself agreeing with whoever spoke last.

:agree:

Yup... that's so true of most conservatives.

It is hard...but practice helps. If I meet someone who doesn't think or act like I do, I try to see things their way...and sometimes, even though I may not view things the way they do, I understand their perception and view.

But...this has come about through my travels across a lot of the states and in other countries.

Dr Philban wrote:

PrintSmith wrote:

Photo-fish wrote:

SS109 wrote: Actually I usually find myself agreeing with whoever spoke last.

:agree:

Yup... that's so true of most conservatives.

Do we always have to go here?

You up tight, closed minded, afraid of everything "conservatives" need to go out in the desert and eat some peyote. Its the only way to open your minds.

chickaree wrote:

Dr Philban wrote:

PrintSmith wrote:

Photo-fish wrote:

SS109 wrote: Actually I usually find myself agreeing with whoever spoke last.

:agree:

Yup... that's so true of most conservatives.

Do we always have to go here?

Truth bothers you? Conservatives are experts at mouthing the last thing they heard, and taking it as truth. Ever catch a gaggle of conservatives at church on Sunday praying to their invisible man? All you hear is them parroting what the preacher said. And talk radio... holy brainwash... you'll always know what the conversation around the water cooler is going to be... what Rush said, or what Hannity said, or what Mike Rosen said. Hey... why don't you take a cue from the progressives? Take for instance the various Occupy movements across the country. You can't find two of them who have any idea of what each other is talking about. There are FIFTY working groups attached to the Occupy Wall street contingent, and their are only about 75 protestors currently braving the cold and snow. They can't decide if they are going to allow the rapes or they should report them to the police. And the kitchen staff is arguing over whether they should feed the homeless who have invaded the encampment... or outlaw them as a separate class. Now that's diversity. Come on conservatives... be yourself, don't march to the beat of a just a single drummer... the more drummers the better.