Changing Minds

By TLS

I recently saw a headline on The Atlantic: The Worst Way to Change Minds. I read it, or at least most of it.

It was not a great article, it mostly just droned on about the influences of religion, good/bad, waxing/waning, etc… There was no real meat in the article. I was hoping it would say something like ‘…here’s the worst way to change minds…’ and then, list some good ways to change minds. Or at least review several methods of discussion and persuasion. But it didn’t.

However, I think the title was excellent, at least in identifying a problem. One might be tempted to believe facts would be one of the best ways to change someone’s mind. But, in today’s world, facts are probably the worst way to try to change someone’s mind. Worst of all, getting two people to even agree as to what is fact has become all but impossible.

Here is something that doesn’t get enough, or any, headline time but should. Changing one’s mind on a subject can actually be a good thing! There was a time (and probably still too true today) when holding to one’s belief or position against all opposition was deemed commendable. Even, and especially, if the position was wrong. Stand your ground, to the very end! Sure, in some instances this would actually be commendable. But when you really are wrong or there really is a better way? Who cares about facts?! No, that is just blind arrogant stupidity.

So, the worst way to change someone’s mind? Inundate them with cold hard irrefutable facts. What one will then typically encounter these days is the other person will dig into their position deeper than the Germans were on Normandy beach, with similar results, lots of casualties.

The best way to change someone’s mind today? Flash, dash, and as little relevant substance as possible. If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bullshit is an old term that seems relevant.

But, who knows? Maybe someone will be able to change my mind.

If you’ve ever found yourself holding on to a belief long after the evidence told you to let go, you’re not alone. We all do it. But maybe the bravest thing we can do right now isn’t to defend our positions harder, it’s to let go when we realize we’re wrong. If this hit you, share it with someone you’ve butted heads with. Maybe it won’t change their mind. But who knows? It might just change yours.

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