Reddit meter
Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational
376 pages, 2022
Nothing happens by chance, everything is interconnected, and coincidences do not exist: this is the essence of conspiracy theories. Long a fringe part of American political life, conspiracy theories are now mainstream: 147 members of Congress voted in favor of objections to the 2020 presidential election based on an unproven theory about a rigged electoral process promoted by the mysterious group QAnon.
This new development is only one example in a long history of ideas that include satanic panics of the 1980s, fears about fluoridated water, speculations about President John F. Kennedy's assassination--and notions that Sandy Hook was a false-flag operation and 9/11 was an inside job. In Conspiracy , Michael Shermer presents an overarching review of conspiracy theories--who believes them and why; which ones are real; and what we should do about them.
In Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational, Michael Shermer explores the fascinating world of the human mind. He digs into why we, as rational beings, often believe in irrational things like conspiracy theories. It's a great read if you're interested in psychology and human behavior.
Shermer's book shows us how powerful our beliefs can be. Even when faced with solid evidence, we often stick to our beliefs. This is because our brains are wired to find patterns and make connections, even when they don't exist. It's a fascinating look into the power of belief.
Shermer also explores the role of media and culture in shaping our beliefs. He shows how conspiracy theories can spread like wildfire in today's digital age. It's a must-read if you want to understand the impact of media and culture on our thinking.
In his book, Shermer takes a scientific approach to conspiracy theories. He researches why we are drawn to them and what they say about our understanding of the world. If you're a fan of science and psychology, you'll definitely want to check this out.
One of the key takeaways from Shermer's book is the importance of critical thinking and skepticism. He encourages us to question our beliefs and not take everything at face value. It's a great reminder to always keep an open mind and not be afraid to question what we think we know.