As a former physician, I learned that people who believe passionately in a demonstrably false belief - i.e., a delusion - cannot be dissuaded from that delusion by rational discussion. The belief itself is irrational, and no amount of evidence-based debate is going to sway them. Indeed, the mere fact that you are willing to discuss it …
As a former physician, I learned that people who believe passionately in a demonstrably false belief - i.e., a delusion - cannot be dissuaded from that delusion by rational discussion. The belief itself is irrational, and no amount of evidence-based debate is going to sway them. Indeed, the mere fact that you are willing to discuss it with them validates, in their minds, the belief.
And it strikes me that the same dynamic applies equally well to Q-anon conspiracy theories and fervent religious belief. And God help the individual who subscribes to both.
As a former physician, I learned that people who believe passionately in a demonstrably false belief - i.e., a delusion - cannot be dissuaded from that delusion by rational discussion. The belief itself is irrational, and no amount of evidence-based debate is going to sway them. Indeed, the mere fact that you are willing to discuss it with them validates, in their minds, the belief.
And it strikes me that the same dynamic applies equally well to Q-anon conspiracy theories and fervent religious belief. And God help the individual who subscribes to both.
This is why I am so pessimistic about our future.
I am pessimistic also and glad that I am as old as i am. I try to take joy in small things.