A change of thought

I've recently heard a phrase I like: fluidity of thought. The ability to quickly abandon previous ideas when the world changes or when people encounter new information. There is no doubt that mental fluidity is scarce. Changing one's mind is difficult because it is easier to trick oneself into believing a lie than admitting a mistake.

There was a time when Einstein hated claims of quantum physics.

His own theory of physics is based on classical Newtonian physics. Newtonian physics believes that the universe operates in a pure, rational, and accurately measurable way. Quantum theory, however, believes that parts of the physical world cannot be measured. Because measuring the behavior of subatomic particles itself changes the motion of objects. When trying to measure this part of the world, the best we can do is only use probability and possibility.

This was almost a heresy fallacy for Einstein, who also clearly let his quantum theory peers know his judgments and opinions.

In 1927, he told a group of physicists that “one cannot derive a theory from a large number of 'possibilities'” and that God “doesn't roll the dice”

His colleague was disappointed and said, “Einstein, how can you say that?” quantum physicist Paul Ellenfest said. He felt that this great physicist was as stubborn as those who once doubted Einstein's theory of relativity.

A group of quantum physicists won Nobel Prizes within five years, and the scientific community recognized their contributions and verified quantum theory.

What was not mentioned at the awards ceremony, however, was that the winning panel was nominated by Einstein himself.

“I believe this [quantum] theory certainly contains part of the ultimate truth,” he wrote in his nomination. Einstein has completely changed his mind.

Many people have what they call a “belief” that is actually a deliberate disregard for facts that might change their mind. This is dangerous. Because firm belief feels like a good quality, but its opposite — indecision, three, two, four — can make you feel and sound like an idiot.

There is an illusion in psychology called being verified by history. People unknowingly, their personalities will change greatly, yet they will always think that they will maintain their current state and ideas in the future.

Maintaining faith requires effort and investment, but people can realize that the return on investment of hard-won beliefs can be limited and painful. For many things in life — especially politics, investments, and relationships — people don't necessarily want the truth; they often want certainty. It's so hard to change your mind because it requires you to acknowledge that the certainty you once had is an illusion.

I am always very suspicious of people who say “nothing has changed”. They act as though they are signs of wisdom — their beliefs are so accurate that they are unlikely to need to change. But I think this is a sign of ignorance and stubbornness.

Excerpt from Mar 29 2023 Morgan Housel