Beliefism

Beliefism (noun): Discrimination against people who disagree with us

Do you avoid people who are strongly against immigration? Or strongly for trans rights? Against abortion? For drug legalisation? We might like to think that we're tolerant, but many of us struggle to engage with people whose opinions differ strongly from our own-even if they might have something useful to contribute to the debate. That means we're falling victim to what behavioural scientist Professor Paul Dolan defines as Beliefism: discrimination against those with different beliefs to us.

Drawing on the evidence from across the social sciences, Dolan shows how easy it is for us to divide ourselves into opposing camps - and how harmful that can be. Using the central metaphor of the duck-rabbit illusion-where the same image can be viewed as one animal or the other-the book shows that looking at an issue from only one perspective can lead to bad decisions and unnecessary conflict. The world would be a better place if there was less beliefism and Dolan shows how more tolerance is only possible "by design". We need to embed less beliefism into our organisations and lives and he provides a checklist called EMBRACE to help us do that.

Combining curiosity, irreverence and warmth, Beliefism is a definitive behavioural science take by a leader in his field. Whether it's among friends, at university or at work, being less beliefist will make you a better partner or parent, and a more effective buddy or boss.

Brilliant, wise, humane, scientific, and kind. Beliefism is exactly what the doctor ordered - and it could change the world Cass R. Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor, Harvard University, and author, How to Become Famous
I learned more about the causes of political hostility in my first hour of reading Dolan's book than in 14 years as an MP. By the end, I was certain what to do about it. And in finding areas where Paul and I radically disagree, I rejoice that I am not a Beliefist! Rt Hon Steve Baker FRSA, former campaigning Conservative MP and minister
In these fractured, fractious times, there has never been a more important time to rediscover the lost art of disagreeing agreeably - for it is an art and it is at risk of being lost. Paul Dolan has provided a masterclass - one which is deeply analytical, very entertaining and highly practical - in how to do so Andy Haldane, Chief Executive, Royal Society for Arts and former Chief Economist, Bank of England

Paul Dolan is Professor of Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He trained as an economist over three decades ago, moving into psychology after working with Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman. He has published around 150 peer-reviewed papers in leading academic journals. He is author of best-selling books Happiness by Design and Happy Ever After, works that reshaped how we think about what a good life is. His new podcast is called Breaking Beliefism. He doesn't hate anyone who disagrees with him - unless they're fans of Coldplay.

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