Persuasion to fear

A helpful reminder to myself

Our minds are more vulnerable to emotional persuasion than logical persuasion, and often we don’t even realize it’s happening.

Persuasion to fear is rampant right now. People try to burden you with their anxiety and fear, as if sharing their unrest brings them relief. There is a simple test to guard against this.

If a friend is pushing you to get super upset or angry about some issue but they don’t grasp the specific details, just the headline, or can’t explain the opposing side’s view, or can’t explain the issue simply, or worst of all they get mad when you ask for details, pause and reflect. This person is struggling, caught in their own fear, and trying to persuade you to join them. As the old saying goes, misery loves company.

People can become addicted to fear, and it’s one of the hardest habits to break. It’s also incredibly contagious. When someone tries to sway you this way, stay calm and say: That sounds bad, but I’m ignorant on this topic. Can you explain it simply, with a bit more specificity? What was it like before, and what’s changing now? What are the trade-offs involved in this decision? What would the opposing side of your argument say about this issue?

By holding to reason, you shield yourself from their passion. Let no one’s fear overtake your mind, for only a soul anchored in reality endures unshaken.