Today we discuss the three biggest thinking mistakes we make in life…. and how to avoid making them!!! This is important.

In this episode, I discuss each of the three huge mistakes we make today in our thinking: Categorization, Tribalism and Dramatization. I explore why we use them, how they can help us, when they go wrong and what we can do about them.

Categorization: Identify something by commonalities

Tribalism: Us vs Them

Dramatization: Need to create intense feelings

Categorize

Problem of Categorization (Robert Sapolosky)

All or nothing thinking and support

Always easier to attack vs support

Advantage people remember easier

Name it easier to think of it and spot it

Boundaries then can’t distinguish difference between two things similar based upon how you categorize them

Overestimate similarity if in boundary. Underestimate similarity if outside boundary. Fail to see big picture.

TRIBALISM

Us vs Them

Hunter gatherer days… need tribe to survive… protect against others and animals. Forge bonds… procreation… influenced by group. Collective thinking… group… part of identity… understand ourselves and what we stand for. Commitment. Pattern recognition.

GOOD

Love

Bonds with others

Connection

Purpose and Meaning

Support

BAD

Hate

Rejection of others

Detachment

More stand against than stand for

Attacked

Victim Mentality

Propaganda Channel – positive feeling

Dramatize

Pay attention drama

Addicted to drama

Create drama more

Exaggeration

Lies

Emotional Intensification