Not Born Yesterday

Key Insight 1: Humans are wired for "Open Vigilance," not Gullibility.

This insight from Not Born Yesterday by Hugo Mercier represents one of the foundational ideas in this philosophical work.

Key Insight 2: Communication's Stability Demands Discerning Receivers.

This insight from Not Born Yesterday by Hugo Mercier represents one of the foundational ideas in this philosophical work.

Key Insight 3: Our Minds Prioritize Skepticism Over Blind Acceptance.

This insight from Not Born Yesterday by Hugo Mercier represents one of the foundational ideas in this philosophical work.

Key Insight 4: Message Content is Judged by Plausibility and Argument Strength.

This insight from Not Born Yesterday by Hugo Mercier represents one of the foundational ideas in this philosophical work.

Key Insight 5: Trust is Earned Through Competence and Aligned Interests.

This insight from Not Born Yesterday by Hugo Mercier represents one of the foundational ideas in this philosophical work.

Key Insight 6: Emotional Responses are Selective, Not Simply Contagious.

This insight from Not Born Yesterday by Hugo Mercier represents one of the foundational ideas in this philosophical work.

Key Insight 7: Mass Persuasion Attempts Consistently Fall Flat.

This insight from Not Born Yesterday by Hugo Mercier represents one of the foundational ideas in this philosophical work.

Key Insight 8: Misconceptions Thrive on Intuitive Appeal and Social Utility.

This insight from Not Born Yesterday by Hugo Mercier represents one of the foundational ideas in this philosophical work.

Key Insight 9: "Reflective Beliefs" Allow Holding Absurd Ideas Without Deep Conviction.

This insight from Not Born Yesterday by Hugo Mercier represents one of the foundational ideas in this philosophical work.

Key Insight 10: Self-Incriminating Statements Serve Strategic Social Goals.

This insight from Not Born Yesterday by Hugo Mercier represents one of the foundational ideas in this philosophical work.

Key Insight 11: "Fake News" Primarily Justifies Existing Views, Rather Than Creating Them.

This insight from Not Born Yesterday by Hugo Mercier represents one of the foundational ideas in this philosophical work.

Key Insight 12: Gurus Exploit Reputation and Coarse Cues, Not Inherent Credulity.

This insight from Not Born Yesterday by Hugo Mercier represents one of the foundational ideas in this philosophical work.