Why do facts sometimes not change anyone’s mind?
A belief can also protect an identity or a place in a group. Understand what is at stake before adding another fact.
Our brains evolved to help us survive. They do not automatically put truth ahead of every other concern. Hugo Mercier and Dan Sperber argue that reasoning evolved to help us produce and evaluate arguments in our dealings with other people. That helps explain why we can be so good at defending a belief we already hold.
A belief may also support someone’s identity or place in a group. Challenging it can feel like challenging much more than a claim. Ours included.
Before adding another fact, try to understand what the person believes and what it means to them. Then examine the reasons together. You may notice something the other person has missed. They may do the same for you. Make room for both.
— Martin Poliačik
Try it: Detachment. Put some distance between yourself and an opinion you want to examine.