#214: Leon's Paradox, Charlie’s Iron Prescription & Marcus’ Ultima Ratio
3 Ideas in 2 Minutes on Stories We Tell Ourselves
I. Leon’s Paradox
It’s incredibly hard to break through the stories we tell ourselves, aka our strongly held beliefs. Leon’s Paradox is my name for how social psychologist Leon Festinger describes the futility of overcoming human defences against reason.
We have all experienced the futility of trying to change a strong conviction, especially if the convinced person has some investment in his belief. We are familiar with the variety of ingenious defenses with which people protect their convictions, managing to keep them unscathed through the most devastating attacks.
But man’s resourcefulness goes beyond simply protecting a belief. Suppose an individual believes something with his whole heart; suppose further that he has a commitment to this belief, that he has taken irrevocable actions because of it; finally, suppose that he is presented with evidence, unequivocal and undeniable evidence, that his belief is wrong: what will happen?
The individual will frequently emerge, not only unshaken, but even more convinced of the truth of his beliefs than ever before. Indeed, he may even show a new fervor about convincing and converting other people to his view.
—Leon Festinger, When Prophecy Fails
II. Charlie’s Iron Prescription
How can we guard ourselves against the impulse of engaging in mental gymnastics? Late investor legend Charlie Munger had an Iron Prescription. It’s taken from the elaborately named book “All I Want To Know Is Where I'm Going To Die So I'll Never Go There: Buffett & Munger — A Study in Simplicity and Uncommon, Common Sense” by Peter Bevelin.
I have what I call an ‘iron prescription’ that helps me keep sane when I naturally drift toward preferring one ideology over another. I feel that I’m not entitled to have an opinion unless I can state the arguments against my position better than the people who are in opposition. I think that I am qualified to speak only when I’ve reached that state.
—Charlie Munger
👉 Sounds familiar? You’ve probably read my essays on Steelmanning or Rapoport’s Rule.
III. Marcus’ Ultima Ratio
When you’re in doubt about which strong belief to protect, lead Stoicist Marcus Aurelius has this suggestion:
You always own the option of having no opinion.
There is never any need to get worked up or to trouble your soul about things you can’t control. These things are not asking to be judged by you. Leave them alone.
—Marcus Aurelius
🐘
Have a great week,
Chris
themindcollection.com