ch4

We interpret information so that it fits with our self-image and our pre-existing beliefs.

we all suffer from confirmation bias, i.e., the tendency to interpret new information in such a fashion that our previous conclusions remain intact. Indeed, it is so common that it is even said to be “the mother of all misconceptions.”

In doing this, we inevitably find communities of like-minded people, thus further entrenching our convictions.

In addition, confirmation bias causes us to accept external information about ourselves that matches our existing self-image, and then unconsciously filter out everything else.

This bias is the reason people believe that pseudosciences such as astrology and tarot-card reading work so well