The Monty Hall Problem And Critical Thinking

"To draw conclusions and make decisions, humans often rely on heuristics—mental shortcuts that let us form judgments quickly by focusing on the most accessible information instead of analyzing every detail. Heuristics save time and effort, but they can steer us toward errors.

"According to Daniel Kahneman and Shane Fredrick, attribute substitution underlies many of our heuristics. It happens when we inadvertently swap a tough question for a simpler one and then answer that stand-in question instead."

Click on the link below for the details of how a small change in this classical psychological problem exposes lazy thinking:

Why a Twist to the Monty Hall Problem Stumped So Many

The 3-Door Problem

The President As An Abusive Parent

"If you’re anything like me, it’s not just Trump’s policies that anger and depress you. It’s also the man himself.

"Ronald Reagan’s policies were terrible, but he tried to present himself as a decent man.

"Trump is a despicable human being. His odiousness affects many of us because presidents are parent figures to the nation as a whole.

"According to psychological research, we respond to presidents much as we did to parents when we were kids.

"George Lakoff, professor of cognitive linguistics at Berkeley, has found that two competing models of parenting shape political preferences: either the 'strict parent' or 'nurturant parent.'

"The strict parent views the world as a dangerous place that needs to be controlled. The nurturant parent emphasizes empathy and mutual responsibility.

"Lakoff has found that presidents are elected either because a large portion of the public wants a tough, judgmental parent — or a caring, nurturing one.

"Reagan fit into the strict parent model; Barack Obama, the nurturant parent one.

"But I think Trump represents a third model — the cruel and abusive parent. A parent so malignantly narcissistic that he wields punishment for his own satisfaction, often in unpredictable ways that make him even more terrifying.

"In other words, Trump is not just abusing presidential power by violating laws and the Constitution. His behavior is also abusive.

"His malignant narcissism is viciously vindictive. His cruelty borders on sadism; he seems to take pleasure in causing others pain. And he often changes his mind or alters the punishment, creating even more confusion and fear.

"I don’t want to oversimplify the very complex relationships between the parenting we had (or subconsciously want) and how we respond to Trump. But I believe these emotional connections are real and important. Critiques of Trump’s policies alone don’t get at them.

"Many of us who had nurturing parents are depressed and disoriented by Trump. We find it hard to comprehend how such a detestable person can wield so much power over us.

"Even many voters who hold to the strict parent view — who may have had a strict parent and perhaps voted for Trump because they felt the nation and the world were getting out of control — reject his abusiveness. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults now say that Trump has 'gone too far' in using presidential power to achieve his goals.

"A third group is profoundly shaken by Trump. Of the people I know who are most emotionally devastated by him, many had at least one abusive parent.

"I suspect some are overwhelmingly drawn to him for the same reason, but instead of being shattered by him they are fanatically loyal. This would include the sycophants now surrounding him in the White House and Cabinet who appear to share his cruelty and sadism.

"Research shows that abusive parents often become more abusive over time — more enraged, more paranoid, and less predictable.

"Hence, the children of cruel and abusive parents tend to abandon them as soon as they are able. Or cling to them ever more desperately.

"Let’s hope all of America does the former with Trump, and the sooner the better."

Robert Reich

A Gem In A Pile Of Poop

 

He was a good person.
He would have made a good humanist.
Too bad that he was indoctrinated into false 
and harmful ideology at a young age,
as are most.

Why Facts Don't Work To Change Minds

I would be at the front of the line supporting facts as a counter to falsehood. However, there is growing evidence that confronting someone who is in error with facts as a first-line approach to them fails royally. 

Click on the link below for a science-based approach to how to initially interact with individuals who are mistaken by accepting harmful ideas:

Using harm as a universal moral outrage to better communicate 

The Person Who Knows It All Knows Nothing

The saying "the person who knows it all knows nothing" highlights a paradox: someone who believes they know everything is likely unaware of their limitations and the vastness of unknown knowledge. It suggests that true wisdom lies in acknowledging the limits of one's knowledge and remaining open to learning. This idea is often associated with Socrates' famous statement, "I know that I know nothing".

-AI Overview

Click on the link below for the best expose (in his own words!) about the present POTUS you will ever see:

Wall Street Just WENT OFF ON TRUMP With Alarming Warnings!

A Collage of Facebook Reels Pertinent To The Intent Of This Blog

Is the USA the greatest country?  https://www.facebook.com/reel/612897647841485

What would Heaven be like?  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=wwXIfr&v=2863457223831381&rdid=MXqxZCIuOQdr3KOZ

How are people manipulated?  https://www.facebook.com/reel/988493846481564

Do you understand privilege?  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=wwXIfr&v=635880572605857&rdid=rMypdcKHnz7USzf9

Do you understand peer pressure?  https://www.facebook.com/reel/483410001372828

Do you understand how intellectualism collapsed?  https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1LTKpMmLZs/

What is the greatest threat to humanity?  https://www.facebook.com/reel/1187752976688900

The Underlying Problem With MAGA: Childish/Magical Thinking

One major trait of Trumpers/MAGA is childish/magical thinking. Everything is black and white. There is no room for understanding that reality can be much more than good or bad/right or wrong in many serious topics/circumstances. Unsupported certainty can be the enemy of nuance, humility, and understanding

There is a reason why fear works so well on them: they are easily blocked from considering that they may be incorrect in their opinions. The majority probably were raised within a religion and that religion poisoned their brains from challenging the dogma to which they were exposed.

Below is an emblematic of this problem: 

• "I am afraid of the 'other' that I was taught to hate. Those immigrants will harm me and take my job. I must support deporting them as fast as we can, to Hell with due process/the Rule of Law."

"Stupid": The Need For Critical Thinking

"Stupidity isn’t just a lack of intelligence—it’s the refusal to think critically, and it’s everywhere. In this video, we dive into The Stupidity Epidemic, exploring why people ignore facts, how social media fuels misinformation, and why Dietrich Bonhoeffer believed stupidity is more dangerous than evil. From blind groupthink to misplaced confidence, we break down how ignorance spreads, why it thrives in positions of power, and what we can do about it. If you've ever wondered why smart people make bad decisions—or why the loudest voices are often the least informed—this video is for you. Let’s talk about it. And if you find this conversation valuable, hit subscribe—it really helps the channel!"

The Stupidity Epidemic: Why Critical Thinking is Dying

^ click to expand ^

^ click to expand ^

Also: The Dangerous Truth of Human Stupidity

Trump's IQ? How About His Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It's also known as emotional quotient (EQ).

Key elements of EI: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.

Benefits of EI:

• Better relationships: EI can help you build stronger relationships with others.
• Better communication: EI can help you communicate effectively with others.
• Better decision making: EI can help you make informed decisions.
• Better conflict management: EI can help you resolve conflict effectively.
• Better stress management: EI can help you relieve stress.

How to improve EI:

• Name your feelings
• Understand how your feelings impact your behavior
• Pause and reconsider your response before acting
• Develop your social skills
• Practice active listening
• Use open body language
• Develop rapport with others
• Express leadership
• History of EI

The term EI was coined in 1990 by researchers John Mayer and Peter Salovey. Psychologist Daniel Goleman later popularized the term in his 1995 book Emotional Intelligence.

(Generative AI)

- - - - - - - - -

Click here for a video describing how the above applies to Donald J Trump.  

Understanding The Introverted Personality

"Why do highly intelligent individuals often seem detached from social life? Is it arrogance, introversion, or something deeper? In this video, we explore the profound insights of Arthur Schopenhauer, one of the most brilliant and unconventional philosophers of the 19th century, to understand why intelligence and solitude often go hand in hand. 

"Schopenhauer believed that the more intelligent a person is, the less they feel the need for social validation. Their minds are rich with thoughts and ideas, making external distractions unnecessary. But does this mean social life has no value at all? Or is it simply a societal illusion we have been conditioned to believe? 

"Through historical examples and philosophical analysis, we will uncover the difference between solitude and loneliness, why superficial social interactions feel draining to deep thinkers, and how embracing solitude can lead to greater intellectual and personal fulfillment. 

"By the end of this video, you may start to question everything you've been taught about social life, relationships, and what it truly means to be fulfilled."

Click on the link below for the video:

Why Smart People Don’t Care About Social Life – Schopenhauer

What Everyone Gets Wrong About Gambling on Sports

"Do you think it still counts as gambling if you're guaranteed to win? Do you think it would be a net positive to society if 100% of sports bettors used tools to gain an edge? Do you think I should have kept this story to myself? Do you ever get nervous?"

Yes, NOW, one can win by understanding mathematics. However, If you score big, you will be banned from further sports betting. Good luck, math geeks, click here if you think you can make a living at it.

Repeating Anything Enough Will Create The Illusion Of Truth

"If you repeat something enough times, it comes to feel good and true." (link)

Geniuses Are Different (And That's Not Bad)

"In this thought-provoking video, we dive into the philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer and explore why smart people often don’t care about being social. Schopenhauer, known for his pessimistic worldview, argued that solitude is not only necessary for deep thought but also a form of liberation from the superficiality of social interactions. We’ll break down his ideas about human nature, the burden of social expectations, and why intelligent individuals often prefer the peace and introspection of their own company. If you’ve ever felt out of place in social situations or wondered why some people seem indifferent to socializing, this video is for you. Join us as we discuss how Schopenhauer’s insights can help us better understand the nature of social interaction and personal fulfillment."

Click on the link below for the video:

Why Smart People Don't Care About Being Social | Schopenhauer

 

History Is At Least Rhyming

"In the episode we’re about to share, Sean Illing and his guest, historian Edward Watts, discuss how America today feels like ancient Rome…right before its empire collapsed."

Click on the link below for a podcast that examines the psychological and historical aspects of the present and potential future of the USA.

The Gray Area: Is America collapsing like ancient Rome? 

Happiness: It's Not What Conservatives Think

"What does it take to be happy? Dr. Laurie Santos is the Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon Professor of Psychology and Head of Silliman College at Yale University, where she teaches 'Psychology and the Good Life.' She’s also host of the podcast, “The Happiness Lab.” Dr. Santos joins Preet to discuss: The definition of happiness and how to maximize it:

 
The parenting paradox

 
How job crafting can bring purpose to any career

Self-care vs caring for others
Practicing gratitude

 
The health effects of loneliness and the importance of social connection

The relationship between religion and happiness

Why negative emotions are necessary"

- - -

Click on the link below for the details:

The Formula for Happiness

Understanding Scams 101

"In this 2022 episode, host Bob Sullivan welcomes special guest Alexis Conran. Conran’s insight into the mind of a con man comes from acting as one on the popular BBC show The Real Hustle. On the series, Conran, an actual trained magician, and his team perpetrate scams on unsuspecting consumers and then reveal the crimes to the victims (now in the hundreds), all in the name of educating the public. Conran discusses what he’s learned about the criminal mindset and what he has identified as the elements of deception."

Click on this link for the podcast.

To Fight Health Disinformation, Focus On Low Expertise

"Disinformation is false information spread intentionally, and it is particularly harmful for public health. We conducted three preregistered experiments (N = 1,568) investigating how to discredit dubious health sources and disinformation attributed to them. Experiments 1 and 2 used cancer information and recruited representative U.S. samples. Participants read a vignette about a seemingly reputable source and rated their credibility. Participants were randomly assigned to a control condition or interventions that (a) corrected the source’s disinformation, (b) highlighted the source’s low expertise, or (c) corrected disinformation and highlighted low expertise (Experiment 2). Next, participants rated their belief in the source’s disinformation claims and rerated their credibility. We found that highlighting low expertise was equivalent to (or more effective than) other interventions for reducing belief in disinformation. Highlighting low expertise was also more effective than correcting disinformation for reducing source credibility, although combining it with correcting disinformation outperformed low expertise alone (Experiment 2). Experiment 3 extended this paradigm to vaccine information in vaccinated and unvaccinated subgroups. A conflict-of-interest intervention and 1-week retention interval were also added. Highlighting low expertise was the most effective intervention in both vaccinated and unvaccinated participants for reducing belief in disinformation and source credibility. It was also the only condition where belief change was sustained over 1 week, but only in the vaccinated subgroup. In sum, *highlighting a source’s lack of expertise is a promising option for fact-checkers and health practitioners to reduce belief in disinformation and perceived credibility."

https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2025-19881-005.html

*The US Republican Party is a major source of disinformation on MANY topics. (https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/11/trump-disinformation-immigrants-storm-00183378)

Anxiety And Elections

"Evan Osnos is a staff writer at the New Yorker, where his work spans everything from national politics to foreign affairs. Just days before the election, Osnos joins Preet to talk about the big questions in American political culture: What does patriotism mean in a divided country? How should we confront cruelty? And is there still room for empathy in our politics?"

Click on the link below for a thoughtful, evidence-based podcast on what is stressing and dividing the US:

Election Anxiety, Anyone?

Dependence On Fossil Fuels Is An Addiction

"In this episode, I’m venturing into new territory by discussing the environmental crisis with Dr. Roger Gottlieb, author of “The Sacrifice Zone.” Dr. Gottlieb offers a powerful perspective, arguing that avoidance and denial are the greatest environmental threats we face. He draws a compelling comparison between humanity’s dependence on fossil fuels and addiction, highlighting the challenges of inspiring action on climate change and overcoming feelings of powerlessness."

Click on the link below for more:

What would an environmental saint look like?

Why Humanity Must Overcome Religion | Carl Sagan

"In this video, Carl Sagan explores the vastness of the universe, the power of science, and the limitations of religious belief. He emphasizes the importance of skepticism, evidence, and the scientific method in shaping humanity’s future while questioning the role of faith and mythology in understanding our place in the cosmos."

 

Click on this link for a video compilation of some of Carl Sagan's more famous quotes, leading to the conclusion that humanity's most common and dangerous false belief must be marginalized for humanity to survive.