#493 - David McRaney - Where Do Our Beliefs Come From?

Hugo Mercier

If you've never read the enigma of reason, this is a book you should, if you're like a super nerd about all this, like I am.

Westboro Baptist church is considered the, um, probably the, the most reviled hate group in America.

David McRaney

Though this book is about how minds change and I was very adamant that that would be the the cover and the title that would be how minds change, not…

Guest: David McRaney

Episode summary

David McRaney is a psychologist, journalist and author. Where do our beliefs come from? How do we form opinions? Why are we persuaded by some points of view but not by others? These are important to understand if we are to avoid developing a biased, unrepresentative worldview, they've also been the focus of the last few years of David's research. Expect to learn how everybody in a group can believe something that nobody believes individually, why arguing online so rarely works, whether people really are becoming more ingrained into their beliefs, how the Westboro Baptist Church convinces its members, the best ways to persuade someone who disagrees with you and much more...

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Hugo Mercier

The host mentions 'The Enigma of Reason' to highlight how human cognition is influenced by biases and motivations rat…

The host discusses their research on the Westboro Baptist Church, highlighting its evolution from a local protest gro…

David McRaney

The host discusses the complexities of changing beliefs and attitudes, referencing the book 'How Minds Change' to hig…

Not Born Yesterday

Hugo Mercier

The host mentions 'Not Born Yesterday' to illustrate how people's interpretations of the same evidence can vary widel…

Jim Jones

The host discusses the complexities of leaving cult-like groups and the importance of empathetic support during this…

cognitive biases in reasoning(1)how minds change(1)human cognition and bias(1)leaving cults and groups(1)Westboro Baptist Church(1)

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The conversation centers on cognitive biases in reasoning.
A second recurring theme is how minds change.
Referenced books include The Enigma of Reason by Hugo Mercier and Westboro Baptist church.
The strongest audience signal points to Individuals interested in psychology and reasoning and Individuals interested in understanding hate groups and the psychology behind extremist beliefs..

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Deep Dive(4)Highly Recommended(1)

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Individuals interested in psychology and reasoningIndividuals interested in understanding hate groups and the psychology behind extremist beliefs.Individuals interested in psychology and communicationIndividuals interested in psychology and cognitive scienceIndividuals interested in psychology and group behavior

Books Mentioned

The full list below is ranked by how useful each mention is to a listener: stronger recommendation language, clearer quote context, and better timestamp support rise first.

Hugo Mercier

Best for Individuals interested in psychology and reasoningOften cited around human cognition and bias

“The speaker promotes 'The Enigma of Reason' as a must-read for those interested in understanding reasoning and biases.”

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Sentiment: Highly Recommended

Trigger: human cognition and bias

For: Individuals interested in psychology and reasoning

Key quote: “If you've never read the enigma of reason, this is a book you should, if you're like a super nerd about all this, like I am.”

The host mentions 'The Enigma of Reason' to highlight how human cognition is influenced by biases and motivations rather than just facts. They emphasize the importance of understanding these cognitive mechanisms for anyone interested in the complexities of reasoning and group dynamics.

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link

Best for Individuals interested in understanding hate groups and the psychology behind extremist beliefs.Often cited around Westboro Baptist Church

“The speaker mentions doing research about the Westboro Baptist church in the context of a book they wrote, which included chapters on conspiracy theory communities and cults.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Westboro Baptist Church

For: Individuals interested in understanding hate groups and the psychology behind extremist beliefs.

Key quote: “Westboro Baptist church is considered the, um, probably the, the most reviled hate group in America.”

The host discusses their research on the Westboro Baptist Church, highlighting its evolution from a local protest group to a notorious hate group. They mention the church's extreme views and tactics, including protesting funerals, to illustrate the dangers of entrenched tribal beliefs.

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link

David McRaney

Best for Individuals interested in psychology and communicationOften cited around how minds change

“David McRaney discusses his book 'How Minds Change' which explores the surprising science of belief, opinion, and persuasion.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: how minds change

For: Individuals interested in psychology and communication

Key quote: “Though this book is about how minds change and I was very adamant that that would be the the cover and the title that would be how minds change, not how to change people's minds.”

The host discusses the complexities of changing beliefs and attitudes, referencing the book 'How Minds Change' to highlight the nuanced nature of these processes. They emphasize that the book explores how minds can change through various means, rather than simply providing strategies for persuasion.

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Not Born Yesterday

Hugo Mercier

Best for Individuals interested in psychology and cognitive scienceOften cited around cognitive biases in reasoning

“'Not Born Yesterday' is mentioned as another book by Hugo Mercier that discusses trust and elites.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: cognitive biases in reasoning

For: Individuals interested in psychology and cognitive science

Key quote: “He's basically makes a case against it.”

The host mentions 'Not Born Yesterday' to illustrate how people's interpretations of the same evidence can vary widely due to their biases and motivations. This book contributes to the understanding of trust and elite behavior, emphasizing the importance of cognitive empathy in discussions.

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Jim Jones

Best for Individuals interested in psychology and group behaviorOften cited around leaving cults and groups

“The speaker mentions wishing they could include information about the Jim Jones massacre in their book, indicating it deserves its own book.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: leaving cults and groups

For: Individuals interested in psychology and group behavior

Key quote: “Didn't you look at the Jim Jones massacre as well?”

The host discusses the complexities of leaving cult-like groups and the importance of empathetic support during this process. They reference the Jim Jones massacre to illustrate the concept of pluralistic ignorance and its impact on group dynamics.

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The Enigma of Reason

Modern Wisdom · 22:00

If you've never read the enigma of reason, this is a book you should, if you're like a super nerd about all this, like I am.

Westboro Baptist church

Modern Wisdom · 30:26

Westboro Baptist church is considered the, um, probably the, the most reviled hate group in America.

How Minds Change

Modern Wisdom · 1:00:15

Though this book is about how minds change and I was very adamant that that would be the the cover and the title that would be how minds change, not…

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Mentioned at 22:00

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Hugo Mercier

The host mentions 'The Enigma of Reason' to highlight how human cognition is influenced by biases and motivations rather than just facts. They emph…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link

Mentioned at 30:26

Check price Jump to mention

The host discusses their research on the Westboro Baptist Church, highlighting its evolution from a local protest group to a notorious hate group.…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link

Mentioned at 1:00:15