The Subtle Art Of Changing Minds

I have always wanted to be a science communicator, someone who helps other people understand complex or technical information about our world before I even knew it was called “science communication” or understood it to be a viable career.

From a young age I have been sharing interesting knowledge with my friends and family based on what I have learned. Looking back, it felt good when they would see something brand new, in things they previously took for granted, just like I had.

I like to share how something new I have learned has changed my world view, and if something is complex, I break it down into simpler bits in the same way I did to wrap my head around it first.

This brings me to an important lesson in science communication: facts do care about your feelings.

Those of us who consider ourselves rational thinkers have a tendency to overestimate our ability to change people’s minds simply by presenting the facts. Smoking tobacco, driving without a seat belt, and choosing an unhealthy diet are just a few examples of how people do not necessarily make the best decisions even with access to the best information.