We’re Scientists, Moms, And We Avoid Non-GMO Products

Re:We’re Scientists, Moms, And We Avoid Non-GMO Products by BinaryIdiot on Monday November 07, 2016 @08:07PM (#12896776)

I am absolutely awful at this but you're completely right. I've never had facts change anyone's mind but at the same time I've been told I'm a "robot" regarding emotions so I have changed my mind in the past but I don't think that makes me better. In fact it seems I may be deficient in emotions compared to many that I interact with.

So I _try_ to figure out where they're coming from and relate to it. But I can never do it. I've never figured out a way to argue with someone in a productive way.

In fact if you know of any good reads on the topic I'd love to check them out. I've been told I'm not empathetic enough though I try to be and I'm not entirely sure how to fix it.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:We’re Scientists, Moms, And We Avoid Non-GMO Products by grzm on Monday November 07, 2016 @08:27PM (#12896871)

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I have a really hard time with this, too. I've seen the problems it's caused me personally and in the US with its crippling polarization. There have been some discussions around HN recently:

- Crocker's Rules: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12881288

- Principle of Charity: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12774600

- Rapaport's Rules: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12774692

I also found Jonathan Haidt's "The Righteous Mind"[0] really worthwhile. I mean to read it again in the next week or so. What I find particularly impressive with his work is that he found that his research actually changed his own thinking.

[0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Haidt

And you know, re-reading your response "I've never had facts change anyone's mind", I think even if you don't change someone's mind at the time, finding some common ground, something you agree on is a worthwhile accomplishment. Sometimes it seems the gulf between us is so large. Recognizing that it might not be is reassuring.

I hope you find these useful!

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:We’re Scientists, Moms, And We Avoid Non-GMO Products by BinaryIdiot on Monday November 07, 2016 @11:04PM (#12897553)

Thanks! I'll definitely look through these.

[ Parent | on HN ]