Psychology
How Cognitive Dissonance Shapes Belief Perseverance
Quick fact
In a classic 1956 study, when a doomsday cult's prophecy failed, instead of abandoning their belief, members became even more committed, interpreting the non-event as a test of faith—a striking example of belief perseverance driven by cognitive dissonance.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever held onto a belief even after being shown it was wrong? Why does your mind resist the truth so stubbornly?