Kevin O’Leary: “I’m an ambassador for the American Dream”
To a packed Weis Center this past Tuesday, Kevin O’Leary, known for his role as an investor and TV personality on ABC’s long-running show “Shark…
Thought Leader: Kevin O’Leary
Davos Man is cooling on Stockholm Girl Greta Thunberg
By Niall Ferguson (original source The Times)
“Do you smoke cigarettes, despite knowing the risk that the habit will give you cancer? Do you drive after drinking alcohol, despite being aware that it is both dangerous and unlawful? Do you give speeches about climate change at international conferences, having flown there by private jet? Do you ever sit in a big black car in a traffic jam, when you could quite easily have walked, despite knowing that this, too, is adding yet more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere?
The term “cognitive dissonance” was coined by the American social psychologist Leon Festinger. In his seminal 1957 book on the subject, however, Festinger argued that “in the presence of an inconsistency there is psychological discomfort” and that therefore “the existence of [cognitive] dissonance . . . will motivate the [affected] person to try to reduce the dissonance and achieve consonance”. Moreover, “when dissonance is present, in addition to trying to reduce it, the person will actively avoid situations and information which would likely increase the dissonance”.
My own observations of the human species strongly suggest otherwise. On the contrary, I see all around me — as well as throughout history — countless people not merely comfortable with cognitive dissonance but positively flocking towards situations that increase it.”
Click here to read more
Relevant and recent posts
Sara Fischer: Lara Trump to interview female WH officials for first Fox show
Lara Trump‘s first show as a Fox News host will highlight the key women who helped get her father-in-law President Trump elected and who now…
Thought Leader: Sara Fischer
Scott Morrison among many to express support for Jewish community
Former prime ministers Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison, among others, have expressed their support for the Jewish community amid troubling times in Australia. This came…
Thought Leader: Scott Morrison
More with this speaker
Sir Niall Ferguson Joins The Times
Thought Leader: Niall Ferguson
Niall Ferguson: Trump’s New Deal: 100 days to reverse the legacy of FDR
Thought Leader: Niall Ferguson
Niall Ferguson: Always Bet Against the Davos Man
Thought Leader: Niall Ferguson