Human Factory Settings - Part 1: The Chemistry of Conviction: Why We Are Wired to Be Swindled
Human Factory Settings: The Psychology of Conviction and Influence 1 Human Factory Settings - Part 1: The Chemistry of Conviction: Why We Are Wired to Be Swindled 2 Human Factory Settings - Part 2: Your Mind's Blind Spots: The Illusion of Rational Choice 3 Human Factory Settings - Part 3: The Charisma Algorithm: The Six Pillars of Influence ← Series Home The Algorithm of Desire: Why We Are Wired to Be Swindled Imagine that you have just made a major decision—say, choosing an expensive new car or committing to a particular investment portfolio. After the choice is finalized, you feel a distinct surge of certainty; your belief in the correctness of the decision improves significantly, irrespective of any new evidence. This visceral conviction, which often flies in the face of objective facts or sound reason, presents a profound psychological paradox. Why does the human mind, ostensibly dedicated to logic and truth, so often prioritize emotional comfort and self-justification when assessing reality? The answer lies in recognizing that our deepest convictions are not born of pure thought but are rather the computational output of ancient, powerful biochemical systems. These systems evolved not to find truth in the abstract but to ensure survival by guiding the organism toward agreeable states and away from danger. When reason and feeling clash, the emotional engine of the mind invariably wins, making the brain highly receptive to emotional manipulation and persuasion. ...