Chapter 4

I think the author makes a good point opening up the chapter by saying that we humans aren't rational. "Cognitivie Dissonance" he describes occurs when deeply held beliefs are challenged by conflicting evidence. I think it is true that all peple struggle with cognitive dissonance and I agree that nobody wants to admit they are wrong. I thought the moonbat section was very interesting. I agree when they say that political partisans can become a barking moonbat. Whether it is Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, or Chris Matthews, a viewer has to be careful when listening to the media and can hopefully find their own answers rather than take them from one side of the media. Overgeneralizing vivid, dramatic single examples is something I think people do way too often as well. I think this chapter overall makes a good point that it is important our ideas in our head come as close to reflecting the world outside as they reasonably can, and that we don't deceive ourselves with popular beliefs.