How to Be an Intelligent Human
Let's start the new year with a resolution to make better decisions and hold more accurate beliefs.
Over the years, I've watched dystopian films and often chuckled at the portrayal of humans who, despite expert advice, act irrationally. In a twist of fate, life started mimicking art in unexpected ways.
It's not that recent global events have created these tendencies in humans — rather, they've amplified them. Add social media into the mix, and you've got an echo chamber magnifying pessimism about humanity.
Social media, which can feel like the worst bar you've ever stepped into, has become a battlefield of beliefs. My feed is crowded with humans trying to influence others, often resorting to name-calling and shaming when persuasion falls flat. Sadly, this approach is far from effective and is the very opposite of healthy social interaction.
Trying to change someone's mind on social media is as likely as convincing someone who believes the Earth is flat that it's actually round. What we need is a focus on critical thinking skills like understanding confirmation bias, doing proper research, recognizing cognitive dissonance, applying Occam’s Razor, and valuing fact-based beliefs.
Educating humans in these areas could lead to more understanding, kindness, and better relationships.
Take confirmation bias, for instance. It leads us to interpret new information as supporting our existing beliefs. If you search for supporting evidence online, you'll find it. But this doesn't validate your belief; it simply shows you're not alone in holding it.
I explored this in my article "What Women Want," delving deeper with examples.
Cognitive dissonance happens when our actions or beliefs clash with our self-image or other beliefs. It can lead to irrational decisions as we try to reconcile our behaviors and beliefs. We humans crave consistency and often go to great lengths to maintain it, sometimes at the cost of ignoring facts.
For example, consider those hesitant to adopt new health practices recommended by experts, despite clear benefits. This reluctance is a product of cognitive dissonance — the discomfort of aligning one's actions with new information.
Alleviating cognitive dissonance can involve changing or adding beliefs, or downplaying the importance of existing ones. Recognizing that being wrong is part of being human can reduce stress and lead to better decisions.
Occam’s Razor, a principle credited to William of Ockham, suggests that the simplest explanation is usually the right one. For instance, if a magician makes an airplane vanish, it's more sensible to assume the audience is in on the act than to concoct elaborate alternative explanations.
Or, if a student fails a math exam, it's more logical to assume they didn't study enough, rather than a conspiracy among textbook publishers.
In complex situations, applying Occam’s Razor can keep us from wandering into the realm of implausible theories.
To enhance our decision-making and belief systems, we should:
Regularly apply Occam’s Razor when forming beliefs.
Be open to new ideas before forming judgments.
Recognize and embrace the possibility of being wrong. Be open to the possibility that what you believe to be fact could be wrong. [Read my article titled “Everything You Say Is a Lie. (At the Very Least, It Is Not the Truth.)” to learn how you cannot rely on your memory.]
Get excited about discovering inaccuracies in our beliefs; it's an opportunity for growth.
Accept being wrong as a natural part of learning.
Change beliefs as new evidence emerges.
When researching, be aware of confirmation bias and seek diverse, credible sources.
Practice kindness and understanding toward our fellow humans.
