Why We Can't Admit We're Wrong: The Psychology Behind Belief and Violence

Second Thoughts

Why do people struggle so much with admitting they’re wrong? This episode dives into the psychology of belief, cognitive dissonance, and the power of rhetoric in shaping our minds—and sometimes leading to dangerous outcomes. From impulsive and obsessive violence to the biases that keep us stuck in echo chambers, we explore how worldviews form, change, and sometimes escalate into conflict.

Using insights from Gavin de Becker’s groundbreaking work on violence prediction and our own gut instincts, we unpack what drives extreme actions and how rhetoric fuels today’s heated debates. Join us for an honest conversation on understanding human behavior—and finding paths to meaningful dialogue.

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Chapter

1. Admitting You’re Wrong: Why It’s So Hard (00:00:00)

2. Rhetoric and Escalation of Violence (00:01:27)

3. Impulsive vs. Obsessive Violence (00:03:59)

4. Trusting Gut Instincts: The Gift of Fear (00:07:16)

5. Cognitive Dissonance and Bias (00:12:17)

6. How Beliefs Change Over Time (00:15:51)

7. The Need for Reasonable Leaders (00:17:07)