How resisting conformity can lead to real world progress | Todd Rose for Big Think

Thinking as a group and going along with the loudest voices can feel easy and even natural. But to make real positive change in our world, it’s important to hear all voices and question the perceived majority.

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Humans are hardwired to conform to the group. And that’s why it feels seamless to go along with what you perceive as the majority’s view. But as a leader and a changemaker, it’s critical to recognize that just because it feels like most people agree on an issue, that doesn’t mean they actually do.

When you find yourself in a situation where a group of people is pushing forward on something you’re not so sure about, pause and question it. Are all voices being heard? Or are the loudest voices simply altering the group’s perception?

If you want to make real change in your community, organization, or even your personal life, be sure to hear all voices and think critically outside of the group.

Collective Illusions is a 9-part series brought to you by Stand Together: a community of changemakers tackling our biggest challenges. Learn more here: https://standtogether.org/

Read the video transcript ► https://bigthink.com/series/collective-illusions/conformity/

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About Todd Rose:
Todd Rose is the co-founder and president of Populace, a think tank committed to ensuring that all people have the opportunity to pursue fulfilling lives in a thriving society. Prior to Populace, he was a faculty member at Harvard University where he founded the Laboratory for the Science of Individuality and directed the Mind, Brain, and Education program. Todd is the best selling author of Collective Illusions, Dark Horse, and The End of Average. He lives in Burlington, Massachusetts.

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Read more of our stories on group conformity:
The power of conformity: How good people do evil things
► https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/conformity-2/
Following the scientific consensus is the ‘least wrong’ line of thought
►https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/following-the-scientific-consensus-is-the-least-wrong-line-of-thought/
Why large groups of people often come to the same conclusions
► https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/groupthink/

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