Debating, arguing is a form of insanity

Most everyone knows this famous description of INSANITY:

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”

The quote is most often attributed to Albert Einstein even though no records exist that he ever said or wrote it and despite the fact that it only became popular in the early 1980s, most often tied to “Narcotics Anonymous.”

No matter the source, the quote is indeed profound. Problem is, the vast majority of us are guilty of it, to one extent or another – doing the same thing over and over again, ad nauseam, expecting a different result.

In this modern era, the insanity is, especially, made manifest when we try and debate someone when it comes to politics.

Has anyone in a debate with friends, family, much less a casual acquaintance, ever heard: “You know, you’re right. You’re making sense. I guess I’ve been wrong all along.”

Nope.

So why waste our breath? I have a theory:

We love to hear ourselves talk, blather on, and maybe, sure, we have some hope that what we say will resonate with the other person. Make them change their mind and start to think like “us.” Although I think the main reason is the one simple fact: we do love to hear ourselves talk.

Might as well walk outside right now and bang your head against the closest brick wall if you think you ever have a chance of changing anyone’s mind past the age of adolescence.

After that, most minds are already made up, and there’s no changing that one simple fact.

Somewhere between the ages of 18 and 21, the vast majority of humans are already convinced they can always tell fact from fiction, a truth from a lie, and anyone who disagrees with him/her is a complete and utter fool.

Interested in the psychology behind that?

I am. Let me look it up.

A Closed Mind

Here you go, most of which has been garnered from “Psychology Today:”

Unfortunate for the world at large, the tiny human brain is hardwired to seek confirmation, not truth.

Truth?

Perish the thought of having to think for ourselves.

Please, someone just fill my head with lies, BS, and I’m good. Who wants to have to look at all sides and form my own opinion?

Most people naturally notice and remember information that supports what they already believe — which is a well-documented phenomenon called “confirmation bias.”

On top of that, most people have limited exposure to truly opposing viewpoints presented in their best light.

Instead, they live in “echo chambers,” whether it’s Fox News, CNN, the View, or right-wing talk radio.

We are always right; the other person offering a different take is always wrong.

Facts? Who wants facts?

The minds of most people don’t change because their beliefs aren’t really just opinions. Rather, they are a fundamental part of who they are.

When someone challenges their (our) political or moral views, the human brain doesn’t process it as new information to evaluate.

Rather, our brains process the opposing viewpoint as a threat to our core identity.

From there, according to “Psychology Today,” defensiveness kicks in, motivated reasoning takes over, and any social pressure “to stand firm in our beliefs” makes it even less likely we will back down.

The result is that the very act of arguing with someone tends to harden their position rather than soften it.

Ironic, isn’t it?

By debating someone, hoping what we say will change their mind, we are just making them dig in their heels that much deeper.