An Expert Explains Cognitive Dissonance (with Professor Jonas Kaplan)

(Cedars' vlog no. 309) We all know the feeling of discomfort and revulsion when we're confronted by ideas that conflict with cherished beliefs. But how exactly does cognitive dissonance work, and what purpose does it serve? Neuroscientist Jonas Kaplan joins me to share his knowledge on this little-understood subject.

Watch my previous video in this series, on ostracism...

#cognitivedissonance #neuroscientist

[puppetuninterrupted]

After being conditioned to NOT question what we are taught from birth, this phenomenon is difficult to conquer, but it is absolutely crucial to open our minds and look beyond all of the B.S.

[CardsMan]

My mother became a JW when I was 4 years old. It never completely took, and I left after finishing high school. I'm old now. What I have discovered is that when I interact with family and other JW's that I used to know, the best course of action is kindness. About ten years ago, I had a conversation with an older sister and a niece that I had not seen for more than twenty years. The main thing I did was listen to their concerns. When they started in with JW stuff, I countered with "I have spent many years working things out. I appreciate your concern for my welfare, but anything you say to me about this is a waste of time." When they discovered that I was thoughtful and sincere while not sharing their theology, they warmed up and lost their defensiveness. Of course, they knew that I had been disfellowshipped way back when, but my obvious thoughtfulness and sincerity overrode their shunning behavior. So, if you have left and the break is official, wait a few years. When a relative or mutual friend dies, you will find out. Go the funereal. Don't put them down, don't try to change their minds. Let your action serve as an example. It is much stronger than anything you can say. If they come after you about your leaving, and some will, simply express your concerns in a straightforward non-threatening manner. Way back when I left, things were going strong and there was no pedophile scandal. But now, it's easy to say, "I am concerned that children are being abused, and the Society's response has disheartened me. The Bible says nothing about this because it was inconceivable to the ancients that such a thing could take place with no accountability to the perpetrators. Since there is no biblical answer, just plain common sense tells me that this is wrong, seriously wrong. I'm not in a position to tell you or any individual Witness what they should or should not do. But I do know that this situation breaks the deal for me."

[Plantsandtoyhorses]

Would you sat that the cognitive dissonance is one factor in why the organization continues to send people out in field service despite knowing that it does not bring in hardly any new members? The WT know that out among the "worldly people" they will encounter unfavorable conditions, people being rude, asking uncomfortable questions, maybe even hostility. They know that this will just keep making the rank and file witnesses solidify in their minds that the only place they truly belong, or fit in is in the society. This is what builds the cognitive dissonance.

[postculthygge]

'cognitive dissonance' is the term that helped me to understand 32 years of my life in the JW organization. I've been 'awake' for 3 weeks now to the day. It's been a rough journey. I'm POMO - really can't bring myself round to attending another meeting and everyone thinks I'm just not well (i assume - only had 2 people texting me to ask if I'm OK). Rather than beat myself up for the stupidity of having wasted my youth in a cult (and my non-JW family is handling all of this as just me waking up to my own stupidity and cruelty against them) the term 'cognitive dissonance' is helping me understand the 32 years of discomfort and my own sincerity before God. So thank you Lloyd and thank you Professor Kaplan for being there. Your work saves lives.

[hikingviking]

By thoroughly researching the Bible, I got rid of my indoctrination and concern about Armageddon. The JW beliefs seem so silly and childish now. He’s right about teaching children to be skeptical but I can see many parents not being on board with that.

[SamOween]

What a great interviewer and interviewee, highly respectable to each other, an absolute pleasure to watch.

Grandma, I know that you watch this channel, I love you and I hope you can set your mind free soon. :)

[tonysmith]

Growing up a jw, I had a really hard time with the actual truth. I was equipped to debate a traditional Christian. But when confronted with logic I would get really defensive. Borderline angry. Knowing the things I know now, I feel embarrassed.

[angel]

What an interesting interview. I like the way you repeat his point back to him to be sure we're all following.
This will be one of those discussions I need to listen to several times to get the most out of it.

[raquelhernandez]

I loved this interview, being a shunned ex-jw it gives me insight as to why my family of origin can do what they do, also helps me to understand how my own mind works and to be mindful not to fall into any other cult-like belief traps. Thank you Lloyd, another great topic!

[finallyfree]

Hi Lloyd, my hubby and I really enjoyed your discussion in this video. The analogy of the way witnesses react to a challenge to the reaction of spoiled food is exactly what we have witnessed. They just can’t accept the idea that their cherished beliefs might be false so they shut down immediately. Then they judge you as the worse possible human even worse than a pedophile. They can forgive and excuse the mishandling of a pedophile by making the excuse that they are imperfect, but an apostate is evil to the core and if it were legal to execute them, they wouldn’t hold back just like they showed in the drama of Josiah this summer convention. Just look at the long line of green-vested men who lined up to intimidate the protesters in Melbourne last week. They didn’t realize how cultish their actions were. They thought they were upholding the TRUTH! Thanks again for all your hard work. As a side note, you may not remember me, but over three years ago, I emailed you through another user name just before our first grandchild was born and we had a very interesting exchange. I never wrote to you again, but I want you to know that we are completely faded now and being shunned by both our children and have little to no contact with most of our past witness friends. There are just a couple who are more open minded that we have any dealings with. It’s been quite difficult, but we have each other. We were in since the late 60s and we are in our late sixties, but having mental freedom from all the fairy tales is better than faking a belief. Thanks again so much for all you do.

[phillipchamfya]

its true bad ideas stay long in the sub conscious of a person sometimes i feel guilty to celebrate my birthday

[debbieoliver]

Thank you Lloyd and Dr Kaplan for a fascinating interview! I want to learn more! I must say that both of you are such great speakers, so easy on the ear, and just the right tone to be kept engaged in conversation. Wonderful way to start my day.

[chadmon]

This is absolutely fascinating! Thank you for an outstanding interview.

[danlec]

A very good educational video! I still have the occasional nightmare of being back at the meetings. 23 years after leaving! I'd also say that I am coming to terms that I have been traumatized as a result of a number of incidents in my youth as a direct result of the Governing Body's teachings. On the corporal punishment front, I think it now stands to reason, certainly from my dreams that the elders of the congregation encouraged my father to discipline me, as well as use exclusion and "if I don't do this I won't get that", Well I never did get those "things" because I wouldn't study enough and was "not strong enough in the truth". Despite going to all the meetings until the age of 16 (by force). Going on the field service and answering at the book study and on Sundays watchtower magazine study, and giving a few talks for 5 minutes, and my once a week personal study with my father. (this was not good enough for them). This led to a lot of hate and hurt whilst growing up and led to me creating various barriers and ways to escape my own mind. The internet has been a great tool for me in understanding things I didn't comprehend and behavior and traits. Going to therapy isn't my thing. I'll learn online. Thank you Lloyd. Keep up the great work.

[cindyarnold]

I love learning about the human brain and how it works! Thank you so much for this! We are wired for attachment in order to survive in childhood, but as we grow older we look for groups to attach to for security. What a break through to learn why we do what we do.

[shelleyfinch]

Absolutely fascinating and makes so much sense. It's made me really think about how I'm going to make an effort to get my children to think for themselves rather than tell them it's a load of rubbish

[evisfree]

I think it simply boils down to what we choose to believe, he who wouldn’t want to live for ever, no diseases or good health in paradise. No one wants a dream crushed.

When i started thinking beyond what i was taught, part of my dream was shattered, a part of me felt relief but confronting someone who’s not ready for that will just hold on to the dream.

[petalparker]

Like the point about emotions playing a part in forming decisions and can't be discounted entirely. Re the strength of cog dis trying to get somone to look at information that is different from the belief system they hold reminds me that scene from John Carpenters' movie They Live which is an excellent metaphor for "waking someone up." The protagonist wants the his friend to put on the sunglasses that will enable him to see things as they really are and his friend thinks he's crazy and refuses, but, because their lives depend upon him seeing, the protagonist spends five minutes kicking his ass, just to get him to put the glasses on. They prolonged the scene on purpose to make the point of how difficult a personal paradigm shift really is. There's nothing as powerful as a changed mind.

[donneuner]

Thank you Lloyd yet again for teaching me. The two biggest take always for me were the point about questioning beliefs making people build stronger defense mechanisms, and the fact that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in regards to false beliefs. Weight gain analogy really struck a nerve. I love the work you’re doing, keep going it’s really helping people!🤗🤗🤗

[margaretfrenkel]

I have been away from the religion for many years. Only recently have I realized how many of the beliefs were still hanging around in the recesses if my mind. Thanks to Lloyd and some of the other "apostates" I have cleaned many out.