The Semmelweis Reflex
This article is the third in an ongoing series focused on the different cognitive biases. My hope for you is that you learn to be aware of the processes that guide your thinking and become a better human being.
For readers who aren't familiar with the term, a cognitive bias is a processing error in the mind that happens when humans are interpreting information — in turn, it affects decision making. For a more detailed description, read the first article in the cognitive bias series... https://hypnosisforhumans.com/articles/confabulation.
Semmelweis Reflex
The Semmelweis Reflex gets its name from Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis. Semmelweis was a Hungarian physician and scientist who probably saved more lives than any human who has ever lived. In 1847, he discovered that mortality rates fell ten-fold when medical professionals disinfected their hands before moving from one patient to another.
Unfortunately, Semmelweis's discovery clashed with the beliefs at the time. As a result, the medical and scientific communities rejected his ideas — these communities even mocked him for his views. Eventually, Semmelweis seemingly suffered a nervous breakdown. His colleagues committed him to an asylum, where he died from a gangrenous wound.
Years after his death, Semmelweis's ideas became widely accepted when Louis Pasteur validated his theory.
The Semmelweis Reflex is the tendency for humans to reject new evidence or knowledge because it differs from established norms, beliefs, or standards — despite adequate proof.
Since COVID-19 landed on Earth, we've all witnessed humans bucking the system regarding how to handle the pandemic — mostly from armchair experts, humans who claim to have all the answers but have no (or minimal) experience or understanding of the subject. However, this isn't a problem only for the uneducated. Many healthcare professionals have touted outrageous ideas related to the pandemic despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
I've overheard many humans express their opinions about Dr. Anthony Fauci. Some believe he doesn't know what he's doing because he changes his recommendations often. Changing your mind is not a bad thing. Still, most humans perceive it negatively — often viewing it as wishy-washy, indecisive, or weak.
Changing your mind when new evidence is presented (as Fauci does) is a sign of intelligence, not weakness. Learning to entertain all sides of an idea and then making an educated decision based on the facts is the behavior we should all strive to achieve.
I get it; it's sometimes scary to say, "I'm wrong." I've been working on being more comfortable changing my mind for a few years. And every time I admit my thinking is flawed, it gets a bit easier to acknowledge the next time.
I've reframed what being wrong means to me. I used to believe that changing my mind was a blow to my ego, that humans would think I was stupid or inexperienced, and I wouldn't be respected. Today, I believe that changing my mind is a sign of intelligence, strength, and leadership. Because of my updated belief, I have said in a few conversations, "You're right. You've changed my mind. Thank you!" This has deepened my relationships and garnered respect.
Here are three things to remember:
First, it's not a fact just because you feel it is.
Second, a fact is different from the truth.
Third, you are allowed to change your mind.
Truth is a feeling based on your values and beliefs — it is very subjective. On the other hand, a fact is true and verifiable by repeated observation, measurement, experiments, or other agreed-upon means.
Many humans, as an example, used to believe a large, jolly man magically slid down chimneys and left gifts every year on December 25th. Until I was 10-years-old, Santa Claus was a truth for me.
If I had witnessed Santa stepping out of the fireplace and shoving gifts under my tree, it would have been a fact, especially if others could independently verify the same thing happened in their home.
Suppose I saw my mom and dad placing gifts under the tree while waiting to catch Santa in the act, and I reasoned my parents were simply helping Santa out. In other words, I rejected this new evidence because it differed from my belief — despite adequate proof that my parents had been lying to me for years. That's the Semmelweis Reflex in action.
Don't confuse what you believe to be true with facts. Instead, gain a clear understanding of all sides of the situation by gathering evidence for each argument. Then, and only then, make an educated decision based on your findings.
