Why People Believe Weird Things: Summary Review
This is a summary review of Why People Believe Weird Things containing key details about Why People Believe Weird Things.
What is Why People Believe Weird Things About?
"Why People Believe Weird Things" is a book by Michael Shermer that explores the reasons why people believe in strange, irrational, and even false ideas, despite evidence to the contrary.
In Why People Believe Weird Things, the author discusses the ideas that he has towards racism. He also explains his conversion to Deism from New Age mysticism (to which he had converted from being a Fundamentalist Christian Baptist). He explains paranormal thinking and how one comes to believe in things without evidence. He uses Edgar Cayce as an example, and while he agrees with parts of Ayn Rand's Objectivism, he criticizes its moral absolutism and argues that many follow her philosophy unquestioningly, which he believes contradicts free thinking.
Summary Points & Takeaways from Why People Believe Weird Things
Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:
* Confirmation Bias: People are more likely to believe information that supports their existing beliefs and ignore information that contradicts them.
* The Need for Causality: People often seek out simple explanations for complex events, even if those explanations are inaccurate.
* The Power of Authority: People are more likely to believe claims made by experts, especially those with prestigious credentials or a perceived aura of authority.
* The Role of Emotion: Emotional factors, such as fear or anger, can cloud people's judgment and lead them to believe false or irrational ideas.
* The Influence of Social Groups: People are more likely to believe ideas that are widely held by their social group, which can result in the spread of false or irrational beliefs.
* The Science of Skepticism: Skepticism is a powerful tool for evaluating claims and determining the truth, but it must be applied carefully and with a critical eye.
* Overall, the book highlights the importance of being a critical thinker, evaluating evidence objectively, and avoiding the biases and emotional factors that can lead to false beliefs
Who is the author of Why People Believe Weird Things?
Michael Brant Shermer is an American science writer, historian of science, executive director of The Skeptics Society, and founding publisher of Skeptic magazine, a publication focused on investigating pseudoscientific and supernatural claims.
Book details
- Print length: 384 pages
- Genre: Science, Nonfiction, Psychology
What are the chapters in Why People Believe Weird Things?
Chapter 1: Science and skepticism
Chapter 2: Pseudoscience and superstition
Chapter 3: Evolution and creationism
Chapter 4: History and Pseudohistory
Chapter 5: Hope springs eternal
What is a good quote from Why People Believe Weird Things?
Top Quote: “Smart people believe weird things because they are skilled at defending beliefs they arrived at for non-smart reasons.” (Meaning) - Why People Believe Weird Things Quotes, Michael Shermer
What do critics say?
Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: “This sparkling book romps over the range of science and anti-science.” — Jared Diamond, author of Guns, Germs, and Steel
* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you're interested in furthering your personal development, I invite you to check out my list of favorite personal development books page. On this page, you'll find a curated list of books that have personally impacted my life, each with a summary and key lessons.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
