Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know

Think Again is another good book on debunking psychological "junk". People tend to adopt beliefs and hold tight to them. Contrary information often does little to change these entrenched beliefs. Opposing arguments may even help them build up the beliefs.

How do we get people to adopt new beliefs?

Often listening can be a powerful option. Asking somebody how something will be implemented can lead to a rethinking. It is easier to advocate for a change than actual implement a change. The author gives an example of a "vaccine whisperer" doctor that has had success in getting anti-vaxers to vaccinate. Instead of trying to preach or cajole the person into vaccination, the doctor listened to the patient's reasons for not vaccinating and respected their decision, regardless of what it was. The doctor helped the patient to understand the situation and make decisions of their own.

Polarized views often make it difficult to change thoughts. Hearing the view from "the other side" often serves to strengthen the original views. People are more likely to "convert" when exposed to the "shades of grade" in the nuances of each view. Fewer arguments will often work better than more.

Being open to change is an important thing for us to adapt in our lives. It is useful to spend time revisiting some of our views and goals. Do we really want to be working in our current career? Do we know why we hold certain beliefs that we do? Children can be helped by having discussions of changes in belief from the past and the present. Taking time to revise a drawing or other work can help us be exposed to different views of how to do it. Change is power, but challenging.