‘Brilliant, wise, humane, scientific, and kind. Beliefism is exactly what the doctor ordered – and it could change the world’ Cass R. Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor, Harvard University
Beliefism (noun): Discrimination against people who disagree with us
Do you avoid people who are strongly against immigration? Or strongly for trans rights? Against abortion? For drug legalisation? We might like to think that we’re tolerant, but many of us struggle to engage with people whose opinions differ strongly from our own-even if they might have something useful to contribute to the debate. That means we’re falling victim to what behavioural scientist Professor Paul Dolan defines as Beliefism: discrimination against those with different beliefs to us.
Drawing on the evidence from across the social sciences, Dolan shows how easy it is for us to divide ourselves into opposing camps – and how harmful that can be. Using the central metaphor of the duck-rabbit illusion-where the same image can be viewed as one animal or the other-the book shows that looking at an issue from only one perspective can lead to bad decisions and unnecessary conflict. The world would be a better place if there was less beliefism and Dolan shows how more tolerance is only possible “by design”. We need to embed less beliefism into our organisations and lives and he provides a checklist called EMBRACE to help us do that.
Combining curiosity, irreverence and warmth, Beliefism is a definitive behavioural science take by a leader in his field. Whether it’s among friends, at university or at work, being less beliefist will make you a better partner or parent, and a more effective buddy or boss.
Beliefism (noun): Discrimination against people who disagree with us
Do you avoid people who are strongly against immigration? Or strongly for trans rights? Against abortion? For drug legalisation? We might like to think that we’re tolerant, but many of us struggle to engage with people whose opinions differ strongly from our own-even if they might have something useful to contribute to the debate. That means we’re falling victim to what behavioural scientist Professor Paul Dolan defines as Beliefism: discrimination against those with different beliefs to us.
Drawing on the evidence from across the social sciences, Dolan shows how easy it is for us to divide ourselves into opposing camps – and how harmful that can be. Using the central metaphor of the duck-rabbit illusion-where the same image can be viewed as one animal or the other-the book shows that looking at an issue from only one perspective can lead to bad decisions and unnecessary conflict. The world would be a better place if there was less beliefism and Dolan shows how more tolerance is only possible “by design”. We need to embed less beliefism into our organisations and lives and he provides a checklist called EMBRACE to help us do that.
Combining curiosity, irreverence and warmth, Beliefism is a definitive behavioural science take by a leader in his field. Whether it’s among friends, at university or at work, being less beliefist will make you a better partner or parent, and a more effective buddy or boss.
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Reviews
I learned more about the causes of political hostility in my first hour of reading Dolan's book than in 14 years as an MP. By the end, I was certain what to do about it. And in finding areas where Paul and I radically disagree, I rejoice that I am not a Beliefist!
In a world where so many of us seek out those with the same views and prejudices, this book is essential reading. Beliefism is a disease infecting our society and Dolan shows how it can be treated with a heavy dose of tolerance.
Painful though it can sometimes be, I have always believed in listening to the other side's arguments. As Paul Dolan argues, it can be good for us.
A brilliant book that seems immediately urgent the moment you start reading. Dolan squarely takes on the last remaining discrimination and challenges us to see the person behind the opinion.
Brilliant, wise, humane, scientific, and kind. Beliefism is exactly what the doctor ordered - and it could change the world
In these fractured, fractious times, there has never been a more important time to rediscover the lost art of disagreeing agreeably - for it is an art and it is at risk of being lost. Paul Dolan has provided a masterclass - one which is deeply analytical, very entertaining and highly practical - in how to do so