Book Review | Collective Illusions

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COLLECTIVE ILLUSIONS | Todd Rose, Hachette Go (2022), 304p. 

In “The End of Average,” Todd Rose convincingly argues that humans have no averages. Average seat sizes, educational development tacts, food tastes, and performances. He argued rightly - if not successfully - for a paradigm shift from a flawed concept of systems aimed at a mass average toward systems that accommodate individual differences. 

In Collective Illusions, Rose tackles the human impulse to fit in. To illustrate his thesis, he cherry-picks examples from kidney recipient decisions to “cancel culture.” While his selections of anecdotes betray a bias, the precise facts of our non-rational tribal impulse remain a central tenant of our fallibility. 

One of the reasons you can see a community change opinion so quickly is that most people will adopt a perceived majoritarian viewpoint to fit in. Scores of studies and examples back this up. This allows for a small - vocal - sometimes even a minority viewpoint to sway or lead to an acting majority. 

In situations where most people submit their viewpoint to the perception of a majority stance contrary to their beliefs, Rose terms “collective illusions.” He notes, “Humans are so profoundly social that our awareness of others can shift our behavior.” 

Rose makes a compelling case that we are hardwired beyond our likely self-awareness. Hence, the ancients’ understanding of our infinite ignorance. These cognitive blindspots are likely greater amongst those with less neural diversity in their bubble - aka those in higher ed, contained sub-cult(ures) - and the intellectual rigor to break free is nearly unavailable to them. 

Rose's chief downfall is the rampant prejudices of his own mind. He picks examples unequally from one side of the ideological spectrum, ironically limiting the likely salience of his thesis. 

His solution is, of course, at the individual level. Live with more skepticism of your thoughts, challenging yourself to live in truth and not conformity. A worthy challenge that, even imperfectly met, leads to better.
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BUY NOW --Collective Illusions by Todd Rose -- BUY NOW