How and Why Humans Struggle with Rationality and Tribalism

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Humans are not the most rational creatures. We make choices based mostly on emotions rather than facts, and we're regularly guided by tribal instincts. Our brains evolved to help us survive, not necessarily to help us be factually accurate. As a result, we often respond better to social and tribal dynamics than to intellectual analysis.

For example, if someone's tribe believes that Obama is a secret Muslim born in Kenya, that person might think the hard proof of his U.S. birth certificate is fake. This conclusion is neither rational nor accurate, but from a tribal perspective, it makes sense. It's safer to agree with your tribe and stay united ideologically, even if you're wrong about the facts, than to disagree and isolate yourself.

Another part of the problem is that our brain is constantly protecting our worldview and sense of identity. When our worldview is challenged, the same part of the brain that processes physical danger gets activated. This is why people sometimes react aggressively to information that proves them wrong and why it's often so difficult to have an intelligent political debate. Several studies have also shown that there is a backfire effect when people encounter facts that contradict their current beliefs—they actually become more convinced of their original ideas. Fighting ignorance with facts is like fighting a grease fire with water; it seems like it should work, but it actually just makes the whole thing worse.

Additionally, cognitive biases such as confirmation bias, where people favor information that confirms their preconceptions, and the Dunning-Kruger effect, where individuals with low ability at a task overestimate their ability, play significant roles in shaping our beliefs and decisions. These biases are deeply ingrained and operate at a subconscious level, making them difficult to overcome without conscious effort and self-awareness.

Lastly, there's the problem of lack of empathy. Several studies have found that when humans are divided into groups of any kind, we instinctively become less empathetic to members of other groups. This means that, for survival's sake, we may instinctively empathize less with other races, nationalities, or even other sports teams. This instinctive dehumanization of other groups is what makes things like slavery and genocide possible in our society.

So, what can you do if you want someone to consider factual information that clashes with their beliefs? First, you have to prevent their brain from seeing you as a personal threat. Look for ways to identify the person as part of your tribe and you as part of theirs—anything that communicates that you're part of the same group. For example, "Hey, we're part of the same family," "Hey, we're both parents," or "Hey, we both still play Pokémon Go."

Building rapport and trust is crucial. Use empathetic listening to understand their perspective and acknowledge their feelings and concerns without immediately jumping to correct them. This approach can lower their defenses and open the door for a more constructive dialogue.

Second, consider the possibility that you may be wrong. Maybe the facts are not on your side, in which case admitting it will help you model to the other person that it's okay to be wrong. Demonstrating intellectual humility can create a safe space for others to do the same. Instead of framing the conversation as a debate, approach it as a collaborative exploration of the truth.

Additionally, use storytelling to make your points more relatable. Humans are wired to respond to stories, and a well-told narrative can be more persuasive than a barrage of statistics and data. Stories can humanize abstract concepts and bridge the gap between conflicting viewpoints.

I understand that none of this is easy or smooth, but if we want to continue to function as a stable society, we have to learn to get past our own natural biases. Only when that happens will we be able to move forward towards a better future.

In conclusion, fostering a culture of empathy, humility, and open-mindedness is essential. By recognizing our cognitive limitations and actively working to overcome them, we can engage in more meaningful and productive conversations, ultimately contributing to a more informed and harmonious society.

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