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by urthor 1516 days ago
To write the problem out another way.

It's the contrast between what primordial lizard brains want. And what reality actually is.

Often I see:

Lizard brain wants: Simple, agreeable, opinions from authority. Stated confidently.

Reality: Nobody is completely sure. Probably requires some nuanced discussion and critical thinking.

Problem is, if someone expresses an unconfident opinion. And I reckon I see this all the time:

Primordial lizard brain computes the message as:

"This person isn't knowledgeable. Reduction in status."

IMO there isn't a good way in life to say "I don't know" about a topic. Without primordial lizard brains treating that as a reduction in status.

It's a huge problem.

I think our brains are just wired to be attracted to simple answers, have a bias for action over discussion. And avoid deep, reflective, critical conversations.