Why Rational People Fall for Absurd Nonsense episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 9, 2026 · 23 MIN

Why Rational People Fall for Absurd Nonsense

from artificially aware · host Artificially Aware

Why do even the smartest people fall for absurd nonsense? Why do we see meaning in randomness, patterns in chaos, and purpose where there is none? *The Believing Brain* by Michael Shermer dissects the very mechanics of belief—how our brains create illusions of reality, reinforce biases, and trap us in comforting but false narratives. Watch this episode next: Journey Out of the Illusion [Part 1] From conspiracy theories to supernatural experiences, from religious devotion to political fanaticism, this book reveals the *why* behind what we believe. It’s not just ignorance—belief is built into your biology. Your neurons *want* to see patterns. Your mind *needs* an explanation, even when none exists. And once you believe? Your brain locks it in, filtering reality to fit the story you tell yourself. In this deep dive, we explore: 🔍 Why your brain is a *belief engine* that shapes your reality 🧠 How dopamine fuels both genius and delusion 🚀 Why conspiracies and supernatural experiences feel so *real* ⚖️ How morality, religion, and political beliefs emerge from evolutionary instincts 🔎 How to break free from cognitive biases and think more critically If you’ve ever wondered why otherwise rational people believe in ghosts, aliens, miracles, or grand conspiracies, this is the video for you. 🔥 Like, comment, and subscribe to challenge your own beliefs and explore the strange, fascinating mechanics of the human mind! #CognitiveBias #Psychology #TheBelievingBrain #MichaelShermer #ConspiracyTheories #Skepticism #CriticalThinking #Patternicity #Science Become a member of this channel to enjoy benefits: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6gJYYFDueIzAk_Jn6SmZw/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Sep 9, 2026

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Why Rational People Fall for Absurd Nonsense

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