It is easy (and intoxicating) to feel certain you are right. When we are convinced of our rightness, we make three assumptions when dealing with those we disagree with:

Assumption One: They are Ignorant

They hold different views simply because they lack my information; when provided with my facts, they will then agree with me.

After those we disagree with have access to the same information and still disagree with us, we move onto Assumption Two.

Assumption Two: They are an Idiot

They are simply too stupid to grasp this idea and are beyond educating.

After those we disagree with are deemed too stupid to understand the truth, we move onto Assumption Three.

Assumption Three: They are Evil

They are purposely distorting the truth for their own gain.

Our disagreements become rather dangerous when we escalate them with these three assumptions.

Being aware of these assumptions we naturally make can help us be kinder and more empathetic to those around us with differing views, allowing us to drop the ideological game and see the humanity and dignity we see in ourselves, within others.

There are two ways you may choose to approach this resource:

ONE: Apply it to others and strengthen both your beliefs and disdain for those who disagree with you.

TWO: Apply it to yourself and attempt to see how you may lean on these assumptions to simplify a complex world.

Regardless of education or accolades, these dangerous assumptions are far too easy to slip into.

The result of these assumptions are dangerous: the complete dehumanization of those who differ from you or your tribe.

(Un)learning is an ongoing, lifelong process, for better or for worse.

It’s far more enjoyable when you shift the focus from degrading others to improving yourself.

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📖  This concept is taken from Being Wrong by Kathryn Schulz (⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐)

It is a book I would recommend to absolutely anyone; it is full of valuable insights and action steps that could benefit you, regardless of your beliefs.