This Is Why It's So Hard to Change Other People's Minds

Most of the people we encounter refuse to change their minds during a discussion or debate, even when provided with hard facts that contradict their stand. As most of us have learnt the hard way in the last few years, it is extremely difficult to persuade anyone with strong beliefs or ideologies.

It is human nature due to ‘motivated reasoning’, which leads to many kinds of biases, as the reasoning process of our mind is akin to a lawyer defending a client.

• Facts do not change minds is a hard concept for logical people like us to grasp, but it has been long known that human beings are emotional creatures and are not as logical as we assume.
• We readily accept new information without scrutiny or critical analysis which is in agreement with our existing set of beliefs and assumptions.
• Intelligence is mostly applied in a one-sided and biased manner, serving our own beliefs and preconceptions.
• Most of us even prefer to believe in what we have already invested, as it is easier, more comfortable and strengthens our ego and identity.