LifeNotes

One book closer to being 12-category smart.

LIFEBOOK VIP
MEMBERS ONLY
A PR IL 18

The Righteous Mind

By: Jonathan Haidt
Summarized by: Marsha Joseph

“Morality binds and blinds. It binds us into ideological teams that fight
each other as though the fate of the world depended on our side win-
ning each battle. It blinds us to the fact that each team is composed of
good people who have something important to say.”

CORE CONCEPT: Jonathan Haidt brilliantly explores in The Righteous

Mind, why we often can’t see the other side of an issue, but rather we stick
to our own sense of “righteousness”. A divisive political climate, for example,
stems from key moral drivers that helped us evolve as humans. No wonder
it’s so difficult to get along! If you have the willingness and courage to look
beyond your own limited views, you’ll definitely find great value from this
timely and engaging book.

Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist, noteworthy author, and Professor of

Ethical Leadership at New York University’s Stern School of Business.
BIG THOUGHTS
In this LifeNote we’ll look at how reasoning is the servant of passions, how
• Reasoning Is The
social persuasion matters, how moral foundations influence our political Servant Of Passions:
views, being “selfish” vs. “groupish”, and how religion is a like football Intuition First, Then
(hint: team sports). Reasoning
• Social Persuasion Matters:
We Care (A Lot) About
What Others Think
Reasoning Is The Servant Of Passions: Intuition First,
• There’s A Good Chance
Then Reasoning You’re A Lier:
“Moral reasoning is sometimes a post hoc fabrication.” We Find Justifications
We like to think that we are all very rational beings, with perfectly good reasons For Our Reasoning
for our beliefs. Yet it turns out, according to the author, that we’re often relying on • How Moral Foundations
our basic intuition to make judgments about what’s right or wrong, and then we Influence Politics:
scramble to find reasoning that supports our initial gut reaction. What Does Fairness Mean?
• Selfish vs. “Groupish”:
So our intuition comes first and our reasoning then follows. Individuals and
Communities Both Matter
One of the helpful aspects of this book is that it causes you to question, or at • How Religion Is Like
least think more deeply about, your own beliefs and your own rationalizations Football:
for those beliefs. They’re Both Team Sports

Haidt explains how he and his team posed case studies to people that were
moral dilemmas in order to study their decision-making. Here’s one for example:
“A family’s dog was killed by a car in front of their house. They had heard
that dog meat was delicious, so they cut up the dog’s body and cooked it
and ate it for dinner. Nobody saw them do this.”

© 2018 The Lifebook Company, LLC Page 1

Now, if you feel bothered or even outraged by this example, know that it’s your
intuition immediately kicking in. If you are like others who heard that case study, you
are going to find reasons why the family’s action was wrong, but you’re likely doing
this to justify what you already decided based on your intuition.

If you were just relying on rational, objective reasoning you might be able to find
reasons why the family might not be wrong in their action.

In this provocative way, Haidt examines how our intuition strongly influences our
morality – how we will first have this flash of intuition and then we will go on to
rationalize it.

Later in the book, he examines how we use this same thinking process when it
comes to politics. Just as you don’t want to spend a single minute considering why
the family of the dog could be justified, you similarly don’t want to consider the
Democrat’s point of view if you’re a Republican, or vice versa, right?

If we can be more aware of our own biases when it comes to our beliefs, rather than
simply seeking to justify our intuition, we might be more open to hearing the other
side of the story.

And what a different world we would live in, if everyone did that!

Social Persuasion Matters: We Care (A Lot)

About What Others Think “I want to show you that an
“Many of us believe that we follow an inner moral compass, but the history of obsession with righteous-
social psychology richly demonstrates that other people exert a powerful force, ness (leading inevitably to
able to make cruelty seem acceptable and altruism seem embarrassing, without self-righteousness) is the
giving us any reasons or arguments.” normal human condition. It
Let’s face it – we care a lot about what others think, and it significantly impacts our is a feature of our evolution-
views and our rationale for those points of view. ary design, not a bug or
error that crept into our
In fact, Haidt tells us that it’s pretty rare for us to change our minds about moral minds that would otherwise
issues without being influenced by others. And when you outright challenge be objective and rational.”
someone’s views, they’re probably just going to dig in their heels and defend their
point of view even more vigorously.

Haidt writes, “The main way that we change our minds on moral issues is by
interacting with other people. We are terrible at seeking evidence that
challenges our own beliefs, but other people do us this favor, just as we are
quite good at finding errors in other people’s beliefs. When discussions are
hostile, the odds of change are slight.”

This is an interesting point, and it certainly seems to ring true. Somehow we think
that if we argue our points more vigorously, and often more LOUDLY, then the
person with an opposing view is going to suddenly “see the light.”

Let’s be realistic – how often does that happen? Almost never, right?

But if you agree with Haidt’s insight that intuition comes first, and then reasoning,
you’ll appreciate his advice that to win the argument (or to have a more productive
discussion), you must first influence someone’s intuition.

Someone will more likely be swayed when they gain some new ideas that come
from other people – social persuasion – that opens their intuitive door. This

© 2018 The Lifebook Company, LLC Page 2

especially can happen when “there is affection, admiration, or a desire to please
the other person.” A little mutual respect can go a long way, it seems.

With this more respectful, open-minded approach, the person on the other side of
the argument can then begin to be more open to seeing that there might actually
be some truth to the other point of view.

Lifebook Members -- Try this strategy out next time you’re in a debate. Consider the
other person’s point of view, lean in a little bit more, and see how beneficial this can
be in helping to resolve your differences.

There’s A Good Chance You’re A Liar:

We Find Justifications For Our Reasoning “… nowadays, when the
“Psychologists now have file cabinets full of findings on “motivated fiscal and political situations
reasoning” showing the many tricks people use to reach the conclusions are so much worse, many
they want to reach.” Americans feel that they’re
on a ship that’s sinking, and
People are remarkable at coming up with justifications for their line of reasoning.
the crew is too busy fight-
We all do it, although we might lack awareness that we’re doing it.
ing with each other to
We talked earlier about social persuasion. In fact when we find justifications for bother plugging the leaks.”
our reasoning, Haidt explains that “people care more about appearance and
reputation than about reality.” And that “People are trying harder to look right
than to be right.”

Here’s a great metaphor from The Righteous Mind -- We all have an “in-house press
secretary.” And just like press secretaries that we see on TV who justify everything
no matter how bad the policy, we often do the same thing. We simply justify our
line of reasoning.

We practice what’s called “confirmation bias” – we figure out how to justify what we
already believe.

“People are quite good at challenging statements made by other people, but if
it’s your belief, then it’s your possession—your child almost—and you want to
protect it, not challenge it and risk losing it.”

The implication then is that if you expect someone to be very thoughtful, deliberate,
and thorough in weighing all sides of an issue before they make a decision – good
luck! That is not likely going to happen.

In fact, Haidt says, “We lie, cheat, and justify so well that we honestly believe
we are honest.” We may lie to justify our reasoning.

Now might be a good time to ask – is there anything you are “justifying” so well
that you actually believe it’s true? How about the belief “I don’t have time to
exercise”? Or “I’m working too much to take time to play with my kids.” Are these
truths, or justifications?

Why not play a little game this week and start to notice all of the instances where
you are righteously justifying something, either to someone else or to yourself, and
try challenging that argument.

It might be fun to try and catch yourself – you may be surprised how often you
rationalize something that in fact is not really 100% true.

© 2018 The Lifebook Company, LLC Page 3

How Moral Foundations Influence Politics: What Does Fairness
Mean?
“Everyone cares about fairness, but there are two major kinds. On the left,
fairness often implies equality, but on the right it means proportionality—
people should be rewarded in proportion to what they contribute, even if that
guarantees unequal outcomes.”
One of the most thought-provoking parts of The Righteous Mind, is the explanation
of certain fundamental foundations to our morality, and how these drive our beliefs
in areas such as politics. These foundations include areas such as:
1. Care/Harm
2. Fairness/Cheating
3. Loyalty/Betrayal
4. Authority/Subversion
5. Sanctity/Degradation
6. Liberty/Oppression

Explanations for each of these moral foundations are discussed at length in the
book, (and it’s really fascinating reading) but let’s take a look at just one of them
as an example: The Fairness/Cheating Foundation.

We all want fairness, right? Yet how we view fairness certainly differs among
individuals, and the differences are noteworthy between political parties.

“On the left, Haidt explains, “concerns about equality and social justice are
based in part on the Fairness foundation—wealthy and powerful groups are “We do moral reasoning not
accused of gaining by exploiting those at the bottom by not paying their “fair to reconstruct the actual
share” of the tax burden.” Yet if you look at the political right, for example, Haidt
reasons why we ourselves
points out that they are also concerned with fairness, but it means something
different. “They see Democrats as socialists who take money from hardworking
came to a judgment; we
Americans and give it to lazy people…” reason to find the best
possible reasons why
He goes on to clarify that “On the left, fairness often implies equality, but on the somebody else ought to
right it means proportionality—people should be rewarded in proportion to join us in our judgment.”
what they contribute, even if that guarantees unequal outcomes.”

When you look more deeply at the foundation – in this case Fairness – can you see
that there might be some common ground? Both sides care about Fairness. They
just define it in totally different ways. Yet at the core, both sides are seeking the
same goal. This goes for all of the moral foundations mentioned above.

If you can start looking past your immediate mental blocks and note that perhaps
both you and your political adversary are ultimately striving for the same morals,
new doors to understanding might begin to open (at least a crack).

The Conservative Advantage: Addressing All Foundations

“There’s more to morality than harm and fairness.”
The author, who is up-front about being politically liberal himself, came to the
conclusion that Conservatives have a key advantage over Liberals when it comes
to winning elections.

According to Haidt, Liberals are focused on fewer Moral Foundations than

Conservatives. He tells us that liberals tend to focus on Care and Fairness much
more than the other moral foundations, where conservatives show more balanced
concerns across the other foundations as well.

© 2018 The Lifebook Company, LLC Page 4

Some of the key Foundations, such as Loyalty, Authority and Sanctity (which are
fundamental concerns) were often not being outwardly addressed by the political
candidates on the liberal side. For example, the foundation of Sanctity, which can
include the sanctity of marriage, is viewed very differently by Liberals vs.
Conservatives. There’s some great discussion on this broader topic in The
Righteous Mind, that you’ll no doubt enjoy delving into.

So if you want to better understand the divisiveness that shows up in political

discussions and religious beliefs, it can be very helpful to take a look at the core
Foundations, find a deeper common ground, and open your mind to where your
side just might be falling a little short.

Selfish vs. “Groupish”: Individuals and

Communities Both Matter “Moral reasoning is part
“We take on group identities and work shoulder to shoulder with strangers of our lifelong struggle to
toward common goals so enthusiastically that it seems as if our minds were win friends and influence
designed for teamwork. I don’t think we can understand morality, politics, or people.”
religion until we have a good picture of human groupishness and its origins.”

Drawing upon his moral psychology background, the author tells us that even
though self-interest significantly impacts our behavior and views on areas such
as politics and religion, it’s also true that self-interest is only a partial influence.
In addition to being selfish at times, he writes, “It’s also true that people are
groupish. We love to join teams, clubs, leagues and fraternities.”

Since our very survival as humans depended on our being part of groups, or tribes,
it’s not surprising then that we would also band together to share common morals
and points of view, whether those are political, religious or otherwise.

So to understand why someone might vigorously defend their political or religious

view, and why they would feel quite righteous about these views, it can be helpful
to understand that this is part of human nature – the instinct to have cohesive “We all get sucked into
groups. tribal moral communities.
We circle around sacred
Haidt summarizes this by saying “We evolved to live in groups. Our minds were values and then share post
designed not only to help us win the competition within our groups, but also to hoc arguments about why
help us unite with those in our group to win competitions across groups.” we are so right and they
are so wrong.”
Wow. The more you read The Righteous Mind, the more you’ll realize just why
it’s so hard to win an argument. There are so many factors that influence our
righteousness that it becomes clear that convincing someone to see your side is
going to take both conscious effort and mutual understanding.

One aspect of this book that is particularly helpful is that it will likely challenge
you to do a few things: 1) Be more open-minded about the other side’s point of
view and 2) Be more deliberate in forming your own rational and moral reasoning
(knowing that there are “mind tricks” that might lead you to make snap judgments
without careful thought).

As always, awareness is the first step towards change.

© 2018 The Lifebook Company, LLC Page 5

How Religion Is Like Football: They’re Both Team Sports
“We humans have an extraordinary ability to care about things beyond
ourselves, to circle around those things with other people, and in the process
to bind ourselves into teams that can pursue larger projects. That’s what
religion is all about.”
Since we have already tackled the tough topic of politics, why not tackle an equally
divisive subject, which is religion. Religion is a complicated topic, perhaps because
there are so many differing beliefs, many of which are very strongly held and deeply
rooted.

We just talked about Haidt’s insights that humans are both “selfish” and also
“groupish.” Now let’s consider how we group together when it comes to religion.
One of the functions that religion seems to perform is to help bind us together into
groups. The author shares insights from several anthropologists (Scott Atran and
Joe Henrich) who suggest “religions are sets of cultural innovations that spread
to the extent that they make groups more cohesive and cooperative.”

There’s quite an interesting discussion in The Righteous Mind about how religion
plays a role in evolution – essentially helping our survival. It’s no surprise that
people fare better when they help each other. And it seems that religion helps
to foster this cooperativeness among us.

In a similar way, we become more cohesive when we’re rooting for our favorite
football team. And yes, for some people, being at a football game can certainly feel “We may spend most of
like a religious experience at times (including praying that your team will win, and our waking hours advancing
maybe even a hallelujah when they do!). our own interests, but we
all have the capacity to
The main point is that religion brings us together. It unites us. That all sounds transcend self-interest
pretty good and obvious, right? The problem is that with religion often comes and become simply part
righteousness. Do you know that expression “my way or the highway”? That’s of a whole.”
how most people act when it comes to religion.

Haidt says that the binding (from religion) “usually involves some blinding—once
any person, book, or principle is declared sacred, then devotees can no longer
question it or think clearly about it.” So there’s binding, but also blinding.

Now ask yourself… Have you blindly followed certain aspects or principles of your
religion, without ever questioning or thinking about why you follow those, or if they
are still appropriate for you?

If you want to go deeper into this area, the Spiritual category in your Lifebook is a
great place to consider your own uniquely authentic premises when it comes to
religion and spirituality. This is a very personal and also a very important category,
so it makes so much sense to give this one some deliberate thought.

And don’t stop there! The topics and principles addressed in The Righteous Mind
will no doubt expand your awareness, deepen your understanding and increase
your open-mindedness across all life categories. This is one of those truly unique,
thought-provoking books that will almost certainly have an impact on how you
think about everything in your life.

© 2018 The Lifebook Company, LLC Page 6