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Smart people believe weird things because they are skilled at defending beliefs they arrived at for non-smart reasons.
Michael Shermer
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Intelligent individuals can rationalize unconventional beliefs due to their ability to construct logical arguments, even if those beliefs are not based on sound reasoning.

This quote by Michael Shermer highlights a fascinating paradox about intelligence and belief formation. It suggests that smart individuals often engage in complex reasoning to defend beliefs that may not be grounded in rational thought or evidence. As a result, they can appear convincing, but their beliefs might still stem from irrational origins. This invites reflection on the nature of belief, critical thinking, and the importance of questioning the foundations of our own convictions.

Themes

BeliefsIntelligenceReasoningRationalizationWisdom

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about conspiracy theories, this quote can serve as a reminder to critically evaluate the reasoning behind our beliefs.

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But because we live in an age of science, we have a preoccupation with corroborating our myths.
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I’m a skeptic not because I do not want to believe, but because I want to know.
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My libertarian beliefs have not always served me well. Like most people who hold strong ideological convictions, I find that, too often, my beliefs trump the scientific facts.
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Quote by Michael Shermer | QuoteProject