The pattern behind self-deception

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TED2010 · 19:01 · Filmed Feb 2010
Subtitles available in 32 languages
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Michael Shermer says the human tendency to believe strange things — from alien abductions to dowsing rods — boils down to two of the brain's most basic, hard-wired survival skills. He explains what they are, and how they get us into trouble.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference, and was featured by our editors on the home page.

Interactive transcript (32 languages)

Michael Shermer

Skeptic

Michael Shermer debunks myths, superstitions and urban legends — and explains why we believe them. Along with publishing Skeptic Magazine, he's author of Why People Believe Weird Things and The Mind of the Market. Full bio