Don’t Be Afraid to Change Your Mind

This chapter is about why it’s important to check your own beliefs and be ready to change your mind if you find better evidence. Jim Al-Khalili explains that real progress (in science and life) depends on being open, honest, and flexible, not stubborn or afraid to admit mistakes.(p.130- 140)

Straight to the point

Al-Khalili says that people often cling to their beliefs, even if new facts prove them wrong. He introduces cognitive dissonance (which is the discomfort you feel when your beliefs conflict with new information).

He shows that it's human to dislike being wrong, but science (and growth) only happen when we face that discomfort and learn from it.

"This feeling of discomfort...is most easily alleviated by...dismissing the new information or downplaying its importance..." (p.130) "Making mistakes in science is how we improve our knowledge and increase our understanding of the world. Not admitting to our mistakes would mean never replacing knowledge with better, more detailed understanding." (p.137)

How to Actually Change Your Mind

Break things down

Don’t be afraid to feel unsure or uncomfortable at first

"Shake off your sense of surety. It may be uncomfortable at first, but you will adjust and actually find yourself more uncomfortable with those who profess certainty at all times." (p. 140)

Listen to the other side and ask questions.

Take your time to look for and understand evidence from reliable sources.

"Listen to the views and arguments of the 'other side' with patience. Ask questions. Take time to find and understand evidence from reliable sources." (p.140)

The Big Point

Being honest about what you don’t know and willing to change your mind is brave, not weak. It’s a sign of courage and real scientific thinking.

EXAMPLES

Book

Al-Khalili uses examples from politics and science, showing how admitting mistakes and embracing uncertainty helps us understand the world better. He says it's much braver to revisit your views and accept new information than to cling to old ideas. (p.137)

Personal

When I started learning Spanish, I used to insist my translation was correct, even if local speakers said otherwise. Eventually, I learned to listen, accept corrections, and change how I spoke. Open-mindedness made me learn faster and feel less stuck! (i'm still not fluent)

Bottom line

Don’t be afraid to question your beliefs, feel uncertain, or change your mind.

Admit mistakes, value doubt, and use evidence to move forward, that’s what makes scientific thinking work and helps you grow smarter and braver!