Have you ever wondered why so many folks (including myself on occasion) ignore obviously well documented evidence so they/we – through logic we believe – will arrive at the conclusion we already believe in?
Here’s why…
We tend to think of our minds as state-of-the-art security vaults, that allow in only evidence based, well-reasoned, smart, and rational ideas about the world. We use this amazing vault (filled with logic and razor-sharp brilliant insights of understanding) to move through the world, to solve problems, and most importantly, to understand events and people.
The problem is… we’re generally unaware that there’s a giant invisible security guard at the vault door. Without our awareness, this security guard denies admission to any fact that contradicts the ideas we already have. Sometimes he even does so with force, beating inconvenient truths until they no longer resemble their former selves… and until they leave and promise to never return.
On the other hand, when he spots facts that SUPPORT the ideas inside the vault, he protects and ushers them in to join the other comforting facts.
Interestingly, even the security guard is unaware he’s on duty. He’s such a natural, doing his job so easily and thoroughly, that he protects the vault without any effort. Contradictory facts that try to slip past him bounce off of his massive body, bruised, battered, and unseen.
He goes by the name Motivated Reasoning. His job is protecting the ideas inside of the vault, and he’s very good at his job.
