In the article “I Know the Truth, So Don’t Bother Me
with Facts”, Jeffrey Kluger highlights the fact that it is easy to manipulate
people with false rumors and propaganda; but hard to change their minds once
they believe in something.
In order to support his arguments, the author uses two examples. The first one was propaganda to undermine the construction of a mosque at Ground Zero. A wide campaign was used by people who oppose the construction of a mosque at this location. It was so well done that they convinced many people around the country. Many people still believe that this mosque represents a security concern for the city of New York.
The second one is a scientific survey organized by two assistant professors at the University of Ohio and involved 750 people. Despite their exposure to the facts more than two third did not change their minds. As a result of this study, they concluded that “even when people take time to learn the facts, the effort often does no good”. On the other hands, Garrett talks about other studies that show different reasons for people to stick to their beliefs. One of these reasons is a “simple ego”, the fact that most people do not like to hear they are wrong. The other reason is associated with the functionality of our brain. According to him some parts of our brain are responsible for being close minded.
In order to support his arguments, the author uses two examples. The first one was propaganda to undermine the construction of a mosque at Ground Zero. A wide campaign was used by people who oppose the construction of a mosque at this location. It was so well done that they convinced many people around the country. Many people still believe that this mosque represents a security concern for the city of New York.
The second one is a scientific survey organized by two assistant professors at the University of Ohio and involved 750 people. Despite their exposure to the facts more than two third did not change their minds. As a result of this study, they concluded that “even when people take time to learn the facts, the effort often does no good”. On the other hands, Garrett talks about other studies that show different reasons for people to stick to their beliefs. One of these reasons is a “simple ego”, the fact that most people do not like to hear they are wrong. The other reason is associated with the functionality of our brain. According to him some parts of our brain are responsible for being close minded.
Although I agree with the author that many people
are easy to manipulate, I also think that being open minded is necessary for our
well being. Whether in science, politics, finance, etc, progress has been made
through research and acceptance of new ideas.
For instance, when Galileo said that the earth and planets revolved around the sun, it was very controversial. But because some people were open minded, his discovery was further used to understand and develop our knowledge of the solar system.
For instance, when Galileo said that the earth and planets revolved around the sun, it was very controversial. But because some people were open minded, his discovery was further used to understand and develop our knowledge of the solar system.
In sum, while I agree with the content of this
article, I also believe that being open minded could make a big difference
between success and failure.
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