Why Facts Don’t Change Minds

Humans need to understand the world to survive. But, knowing the truth is not the only thing that is important to us. We also want to be part of a group or community. This is important because for most of human history, we lived in groups. If we were separated from our group, it could mean death.

Sometimes, wanting to belong and understanding the truth don’t match. In some situations, being part of a group is more important than knowing the truth. A Harvard University psychologist said that people are often judged based on their beliefs. So, people may believe things that make them popular with others, even if those beliefs are not true.  These false beliefs can be helpful in a social way but not helpful for knowing the truth. When we have to choose between the two, we often choose our friends and family over facts.

To change someone’s mind, we first need to be friends with them and include them in our group or community. This way, they can change their beliefs without the fear of being rejected socially. Sharing meals with people who have different beliefs is also a good way to promote understanding between different groups. Being close to someone can help us understand and accept them better.

Comprehension

1) Why is it important for humans to be part of a group?

2) When is a time when someone doesn’t care about the truth?

3) What do we need to do to change someone’s mind?

Vocabulary

Match the words to the definition:

1) belong                               

2) judge

3) helpful

4) facts

5) reject

6) meals

a) to be part of a group

b) to form an opinion of someone

c) something that is true, not an opinion

d) a time when you eat, breakfast, lunch and dinner

e) something that helps you

f) to say no to something

Grammar Highlights

Use adverbs before the main verb, but after the verb “to be”:

“We also want to be…”

“Sharing meals with people who have different beliefs is also a good way…”

*This article was adapted from another article to make it more suitable for English learners. You can read the original article here.

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