Question: do you believe that it is possible to change the way someone thinks and why?

Alex Reid answered on 15 Nov 2018: last edited 15 Nov 2018 8:57 pm

Hi watermelon456 thank you for this really interesting question. Yes I do believe you can change the way someone thinks and this can happen in many different ways (I could write an essay!). It is worth remembering that changing as a person is a natural part of growing and learning. As you go through life you will have new experiences, meet new people, make mistakes and learn from all of these things. Meeting other people and being influenced by them in particular is a huge part of the human experience.
However, the ways people can change other people can also have a dark side too, and this is evident in human history. Propaganda, for example, can easily radicalize large groups of people very quickly. The most obvious example is in Nazi Germany where people were manipulated by only being exposed to certain information, while other information was kept hidden from them.This kind of thing still goes on today and is something I worry about.
In general though if you want to change how someone thinks, first take their point of view and understand why they are thinking that way in the first place. Don’t just talk at them. Also, if you want to change how someone thinks do it for the right reasons such as for providing help, insight or compassion. This is what I try to do as a teacher. Never do it to manipulate someone. I am not saying you ever would do this of course! It is just that history has taught us that this can be a very bad thing. In general I also think there is a lot to be said for being a nice person, putting your ideas into practice (and not just talking) and being a good role model. This will probably change the way someone thinks in some situations far better than arguing with them.