Why don't facts change a person's opinion?

1. 74

   bkwriterposted 7 years ago

   Because people are REALLY stupid, REALLY close-minded, and REALLY stubborn.  Basically.

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   Missing Linkposted 7 years ago

   people get too invested in their belief system - that's why
   
   I must say though that many so called facts end up not being so.  what is an alleged fact today is revealed in the future to have never been true at all.
   
   some things though are ironclad facts and if that cannot change a person's belief system then there is nothing that can be done

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3. 62

   janeenjesse@yahooposted 7 years ago

   I think the answer to this question lies in personality. There are various types pf personalities and personality disorders. In our modern society and our lack of interaction with nature creates a slew of conflicting personalities. The development of such personalities and how people relate to one another reflects our own cultural dysfunction. In America today we see a rising number of sociopathic and narcissistic types of personalities. Defiance disorders have been on the rise. These people are self centered and lack empathy for others. They can be cruel, refuse truth, and even enjoy hurting others not only physically but emotionally. Other personality types are under-developed. Those who are immature remain like teenagers. They are defiant and refuse to listen to reason.  For example 70 million Americans do not even vote. Earlier in our history society used religion to explain devient personality types by declaring certain behaviors evil and taught that people could find a moral conscience if they became reborn and found God. Science teaches us that personality types are extremely hard to change and in my opinion that is why many continue to insist facts are false. It may be the case that they know the truth but they just do not care. Our society has created a world that accepts and even encourages selfish, defiant, vain behaviors. In conclusion I do not believe that many Americans have " misconceptions". It may be the case that they really do know better and just do not care. Making excuses and trashing others with false information has too often become the norm. We need to work hard and do a better job at teaching compassion to the next generations.
   .

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4. 56

   ChandramohanaraoNposted 7 years ago

   In Sanskrit there is a saying "Satyameva Jayathe", that means "truth triumphs". The question is, "When?' Mythology of all religions proves the single fact that truth triumphs after lots of sacrifices are made by individuals, by groups and by nations. By the time reality dawns upon the proletariat that the person, group or nation did the right thing by refuting the false information or say, canards a lot of damage ius done.
   
   But for strong-willed people, all others try to hide their reactions or emotions or whatever we call them, behind the veil of an covert veil of "innocence". 
   
   Is this cowardice?  Not exactly. Individual security in the jungle of "untruth, exaggeration and falsehood" is lacking. Each individual looks for his/her security first and common good next. A reasonable reason for the aberration.

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5. 51

   erorantesposted 7 years ago

   Ignorance makes people have their own conclusions. We all have different brains. Medications help to good or bad thoughts. Unless, you are a scientist; people believe what it is a fact.  Some people are very smart. They do not get mislead. I hope you like my answer miss Katheleen Cochran. The source of the information is important.

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      Kathleen Cochranposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for sharing in this discussion.  You made some good points.

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   Karin Weakleyposted 7 years ago

   Because, no matter how many facts you place in front of a person if they have their minds made up, it is pointless.

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      Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Very true Karin !even in the subject of religion. It's many times about ones ego .that seems more important then to admit the truth when they hear it.
      But Jesus says we need adjust our thinking
      Be humble and learn.

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7. 60

   craftybegoniaposted 7 years ago

   It all the depends, if the person is open-minded, I have seen people change things that were with them for a lifetime. I suppose there are certain personalities that tend to get more set in their ways, that tend to cling with more tenacity to their own opinions or who hate to be found wrong on anything.

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8. 69

   Shyron E Shenkoposted 7 years ago

   1) Most people believe what they want to believe despite the facts.
   2) Many people believe what their friends or co-workers say because they are too lazy to research
   3) Some people pick a side and become die-hard fans and believe every thing that person/group says.
   
   Thank you for asking this question.

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      Kathleen Cochranposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for answering it!

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   Justyna Pinelposted 7 years ago

   I don't know why but it is always funny to see how 'don't' change our state of mind. Last week I read an awesome article about To don't list  http://blog.kanbanery.com/dont-list-kanban-hack/
   Ofter we feel that we have to do everything so finally when we decided to 'don't do it' we feel great?

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10. 51

    Leongardnerposted 7 years ago

    Because of dogmatism. They are dogmatic, and have instilled beliefs in there conscious and subconscious minds, whether based on logical evidence, or not. It really makes no difference, because the mind does not care about what is wrong or right, real or not etc, it will always choose emotion over facts/logic. And you challenge their conditioned beliefs they go into defense mode (usually get offended etc), that is the brains way of trying to protect there belief, because it is not just a belief it is part of them and who they are and adds to there idea of what life actually means. Every time you challenge them to something that goes against there belief they become more vulnerable to reconsidering there belief system, therefore reconsidering there ideology and identity and the brain doesn't like that. We don't like change.

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    starsweightlossposted 7 years ago

    Because some people are so stuck in their own ways, that they cannot see reality.

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12. 67

    Rock Artistposted 7 years ago

    I think people need to respect each other's choices and beliefs, although it seems to be difficult to have a rational and calm conversation with someone about politics and religion when they don't think the way you do.  That's why I think that these two subjects should stay out of conversations with friends and family members because they only lead to hurt feelings when someone doesn't agree with your mindset.  Politics and religion are two extremely personal subjects and everyone has the right to feel the way they do, however I don't think we have the right to bash each other's viewpoints and criticize others for what they think and feel in their hearts.  Everyone, not just some, has come to their decisions involving these two topics based on how they are brought up, what they have been taught, what they listen to, and how they rationalize their opinions and beliefs.  No one, not one of us, is ever going to make anyone believe exactly the same thing they do.  We all have a right to believe what we want and no one wants anyone else to tell them what to think.  I also think that the newscasters in this country have too much personal input into the reports that people see on the news.  There is entirely too much yelling at other newscasters, talking over others, not listening when someone is trying to get their viewpoint across, putting their personal spin on every "news" story trying to get people to agree with them.  Just sayin...

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    Kkinkel80posted 7 years ago

    My answer would have to be from the perspective of my parents who are 80ish and VERY set in their ways of thinking and that's that. Now that I am an adult ive formed my own independent thoughts some differ from theirs and I accept it. I respect their point of view unlike my siblings who will argue with them but it's no use we all should respect that not everyone is going to have same thoughts and opinions and to me that's the way it should be!

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    REALfoodieposted 7 years ago

    Answer in 2 words: COGNITIVE DISSONANCE.

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    georgemichalenyposted 4 years ago

    As a good human we should respect others. So this will help to lead the good life.

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