Maybe What We Know For Sure Just Ain’t So
Another post about Braver Angels
This article was first published in the May 1, 2024 edition of the Owatonna Peoples Press.
Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, the late senator from New York, famously said, “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” I wonder how Senator Moynihan would react to today's world, where his straightforward observation now seems like wishful thinking. With the proliferation of media, it appears that everyone has their own personalized set of facts, fortified with the certainty that these are the real truths. This strong sense of certainty discourages us from engaging in meaningful dialogue about policy issues with those who hold opposing views, as we preemptively dismiss them as too misinformed to reason with.
When it comes to the topic of reluctance to engage with others because they won’t listen to the facts, Bill Doherty, co-founder of Braver Angels, highlights a critical insight: “When it comes to policy-related facts, none of us has access to primary data.” We all depend on others to distill and interpret the data for us, which makes it essential to recognize the role trust plays in our choice of information sources. Policy-related facts, which encompass data and interpretations used to support political positions and policymaking, are uniquely complex and susceptible to bias. Unlike straightforward empirical data, these facts often involve layers of interpretation that can vary widely depending on one's underlying values and the sources they trust.
Take, for example, contentious issues like climate change, systemic racism, gun control, or the performance of the economy under the current administration. Each of these topics can be backed by a different set of "facts," depending on whom you ask. The underlying problem is not just the availability of information, but the overwhelming complexity and volume of knowledge surrounding any policy-related issue. It’s unrealistic to expect any individual to fully process and independently verify all the information available, so naturally, we rely on curated sources that resonate with our values—values which, in turn, are shaped by the same sources.
If you will forgive me another quotation, Mark Twain’s observation rings truer than ever: “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.” In the realm of policy and politics, a dose of humility could be the antidote to our naive sense of certainty. Acknowledging that our "facts" come through filters can be the first step. Another step is cultivating curiosity rather than conviction when engaging with those who disagree with us. Instead of debating to win, we can strive to understand and learn. How did they arrive at their stance? What experiences and values shaped their views? This approach not only fosters mutual respect but can lead to more productive discussions.
Recent data from the Pew Research Center shows that 61 percent of American adults find discussing politics with people they disagree with to be stressful and frustrating—an increase from 46 percent in 2016. Perhaps you’ve noticed this trend in your own life, feeling more discomfort when such conversations arise. It’s clear that improving our dialogue skills is essential.
Foremost Brewing Cooperative is hosting a Braver Angels workshop to help address this need. On May 14th at 7pm, the “Skills for Disagreeing Better” workshop will provide practical tools for better dialogue. Instead of avoiding conflict, this workshop equips us to engage with it constructively, turning our differences into opportunities for enriching our interactions and strengthening relationships.
Avoiding political discussions might seem easier, but engaging in them thoughtfully and respectfully is crucial. These conversations don’t have to be divisive; they can help us grow and understand each other better. By learning how to communicate more effectively, we can help bridge divides, one conversation at a time. If you’re interested in joining or want more information, please contact me at rwarehime@braverangels.org.