I find myself in an area of the US where many people are anti-vaxx and/or believe in woo woo stuff… Astrology, crystals, etc. I am becoming enraged a bit more each day, and just confused as to why they think this way. I'd love some books on the subject! Or hey, if you are into this stuff I would like to know a book where you got your information! I know RFK wrote some books, haha. One thing that really drives me nuts is how certain people are about their anti-scientific beliefs. I just don't get it, please help me understand.
by cheesy_beans
7 Comments
Amanda Montell has two books:
– Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism
– The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality
The Fringes of Reason
Becoming “enraged” over what others choose to believe is pretty troubling. I also think it’s kinda problematic that you’re lumping people into a single monolithic ‘non scientific beliefs’ structure- there can be a vast divide between folks who don’t believe in vaccinations and do believe in crystals, astrology, and other ‘woo woo’ stuff.
For a book, I’d suggest A People’s History of the United States for a look into the factors that formed our society and maybe an understanding of how waves of beliefs can come and go.
What comes to mind most strongly though, for how easy it can be to influence people in a modern society, I’d actually point to some of Morgan Spurlock’s documentaries.. Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken was both entertaining and eye opening as to how you can convince people that food that’s awful for you is healthy. If it’s the persuasive element you’re interested in, I’d check that out.
Good luck to you.
The Believing Brain – Michael Shermer
The Wellness Trap by Christy Harrison discusses psuedoscience and misinformation in the wellness industry, it was a very good read!
Misbelief by Dan Ariely
The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark, by Carl Sagan
A brilliant wonderful book.
Also, anything by Stephen Jay Gould. You might want to start with The Mismeasure of Man.