Here’s why it matters that you’re reasonable.

And how to do it in an increasingly unreasonable world.

Think about the most extreme views that you’ve heard in the past few months. We’re certainly not short of extreme viewpoints at the moment after all. Maybe it’s something about whether we should wear masks in the age of coronavirus. Maybe it’s something to do with race relations or police brutality. Pick any position that you currently disagree with, and ask yourself; how likely it is that you could come to agree with it.

I’m guessing the chances aren’t good. Right? But why is this? Can you honestly claim to know all of the details about the issue? Have you made an effort to understand the flaws in your argument? Can you make anything more than a simplistic argument for the opposing view? I’m not trying to say that all arguments are equally valid, or that facts are less important than feelings, quite the opposite. I’m saying that being reasonable, far from being a challenge for our mental faculties, is more of a challenge for our emotions.

The reason why it’s difficult to change our opinions is that they feel right. It’s the same reason why it’s uncomfortable to write with your non-dominant hand or get used to a new computer operating system. There’s a cost (not only in admitting your mistake but in recognising that we’re…