Matt Collins
08-14-2008, 04:52 PM
The Intelligence Trap
Why aren't all smart people libertarians?
Why do many intelligent, thoughtful, and knowledgeable people believe some things that are clearly false?
Why are many bright people nearly immune to evidence and argument that would refute their mistaken beliefs?
Because they are smart.
Because they have the brainpower to create a convincing case for any belief they hold. Much as a lawyer could make a case for prosecution or defense. Much as a high school debater can skillfully argue both sides of a question. Much as a chess master can play the black pieces or the white ones.
Because they are intelligent enough to fend off attacks to their false beliefs - - and counter-attack their challenger's position.
Because they are admired and praised and celebrated by those who share their beliefs. Because they are pursued and wooed by those whose values they advance and defend. Because they are valued and rewarded for intelligently championing the beliefs.
The Intelligence Trap.
Conservatives. Consider William F. Buckley, George Will, or William Safire. Or Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, or Ann Coulter.
Liberals/Progressives. Consider John Kenneth Galbraith, Sidney Hook, or Michael Harrington. Or Michael Moore, George Lakoff, or Al Gore.
Libertarians. Consider Ayn Rand, Ludwig von Mises, or Milton Friedman. Or Henry Hazlitt, Robert Heinlein, or Harry Browne.
All intelligent. Knowledgeable. Thoughtful.
Yet they disagree.
Why?
The Intelligence Trap.
Their intelligence lets them build a strong case for a belief, present a strong case for it, defend it against opponents, and attack their opponents' belief.
Just as a good bodyguard can defend a bad person, a smart person can defend a dumb idea. As well as a smart idea.
Just as a sharp blade in a surgeon's hand can be a life-saving instrument, in a murderer's hand it can be a death-dealing weapon.
"How can someone that smart believe in trade protectionism?" you ask. The Intelligence Trap.
"How can someone that bright defend government-run health care?" you ask.
The Intelligence Trap.
"How can anyone that intelligent support Drug Prohibition?" you ask. The Intelligence Trap.
There may be nothing wrong with the evidence or arguments you present to these smart people.
They may be trapped by their own intelligence.
PERSUASION POWER POINT #253
by Michael Cloud
--------------------------------------------------------
* NOTE: "The Intelligence Trap" is Edward de Bono's insight. He explores and
explains it in his book "De Bono's Thinking Course." The essay above is my
application of part of his idea.
* * * * * * * *
Michael Cloud is author of the acclaimed book "Secrets of Libertarian
Persuasion" available exclusively from the Advocates:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/secrets.html (https://webmail.cumulus.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.TheAdvocates.org/secrets.html).
In 2000, Michael was honored with the Thomas Paine Award as the Most Persuasive Libertarian Communicator in America.
Why aren't all smart people libertarians?
Why do many intelligent, thoughtful, and knowledgeable people believe some things that are clearly false?
Why are many bright people nearly immune to evidence and argument that would refute their mistaken beliefs?
Because they are smart.
Because they have the brainpower to create a convincing case for any belief they hold. Much as a lawyer could make a case for prosecution or defense. Much as a high school debater can skillfully argue both sides of a question. Much as a chess master can play the black pieces or the white ones.
Because they are intelligent enough to fend off attacks to their false beliefs - - and counter-attack their challenger's position.
Because they are admired and praised and celebrated by those who share their beliefs. Because they are pursued and wooed by those whose values they advance and defend. Because they are valued and rewarded for intelligently championing the beliefs.
The Intelligence Trap.
Conservatives. Consider William F. Buckley, George Will, or William Safire. Or Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, or Ann Coulter.
Liberals/Progressives. Consider John Kenneth Galbraith, Sidney Hook, or Michael Harrington. Or Michael Moore, George Lakoff, or Al Gore.
Libertarians. Consider Ayn Rand, Ludwig von Mises, or Milton Friedman. Or Henry Hazlitt, Robert Heinlein, or Harry Browne.
All intelligent. Knowledgeable. Thoughtful.
Yet they disagree.
Why?
The Intelligence Trap.
Their intelligence lets them build a strong case for a belief, present a strong case for it, defend it against opponents, and attack their opponents' belief.
Just as a good bodyguard can defend a bad person, a smart person can defend a dumb idea. As well as a smart idea.
Just as a sharp blade in a surgeon's hand can be a life-saving instrument, in a murderer's hand it can be a death-dealing weapon.
"How can someone that smart believe in trade protectionism?" you ask. The Intelligence Trap.
"How can someone that bright defend government-run health care?" you ask.
The Intelligence Trap.
"How can anyone that intelligent support Drug Prohibition?" you ask. The Intelligence Trap.
There may be nothing wrong with the evidence or arguments you present to these smart people.
They may be trapped by their own intelligence.
PERSUASION POWER POINT #253
by Michael Cloud
--------------------------------------------------------
* NOTE: "The Intelligence Trap" is Edward de Bono's insight. He explores and
explains it in his book "De Bono's Thinking Course." The essay above is my
application of part of his idea.
* * * * * * * *
Michael Cloud is author of the acclaimed book "Secrets of Libertarian
Persuasion" available exclusively from the Advocates:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/secrets.html (https://webmail.cumulus.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.TheAdvocates.org/secrets.html).
In 2000, Michael was honored with the Thomas Paine Award as the Most Persuasive Libertarian Communicator in America.