Book Review | Collective Illusions
- Greg McNeilly
- Apr 30, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 20
COLLECTIVE ILLUSIONS | Todd Rose, Hachette Go (2022), 304p.
In “The End of Average,” Todd Rose convincingly argues that humans defy averages. Average seat sizes, educational development tactics, food preferences, and performances reflect this. He rightly - if not successfully - advocates for a paradigm shift from flawed systems aimed at a mass average to those that accommodate individuals' difference
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 reason a community can change its 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 a small, vocal, sometimes even 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 understood our infinite ignorance. Cognitive blindspots are likely greater among those with less neural diversity in their bubble—aka those in higher education, contained sub-cult(ures)—and the intellectual rigor to break free is nearly unavailable to them.
One of the book's central premises is that our brains are wired to prioritize social coherence over factual accuracy. We often sacrifice our judgment and critical thinking skills to fit in with the crowd and avoid conflict or social exclusion. As a result, we frequently find ourselves trapped in a cycle of collective delusion, where misinformation and irrationality spread rapidly and become entrenched in our shared narratives.
The implications of this phenomenon are far-reaching and disturbing. For instance, Rose cites numerous examples of how respected professionals, such as doctors, financial analysts, and politicians, have been guilty of making catastrophic errors due to their unwillingness to challenge prevailing orthodoxy or confront uncomfortable evidence. Similarly, he shows how entire societies can become complicit in perpetuating harmful norms and practices, such as discrimination, corruption, and environmental degradation, simply because they are perceived as acceptable or inevitable.
Rose's chief downfall is the rampant prejudices of his 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 toward your thoughts, challenging yourself to embrace truth rather than conformity. This is a worthy challenge that leads to better, even if imperfectly met.
Moreover, Rose emphasizes the need for institutions and systems that encourage transparency, accountability, and independent thinking. He proposes measures such as promoting dissent and debate, implementing checks and balances, and rewarding those who speak truth to power. By creating environments that value honesty and integrity over conformity and obedience, we can begin to mitigate the effects of collective illusions and make more informed, ethical decisions.
In conclusion, Collective Illusions is a landmark work that illuminates the dark corners of our minds and society, revealing the hidden forces shaping our thoughts and actions. It is a clarion call to action, urging us to reclaim our agency and take responsibility for the world we create. By recognizing the dangers of conformity and complicity, we can embark on a path toward greater awareness, empathy, and understanding, leading to better decision-making, improved relationships, and a brighter future for all.
As we read these pages, we are reminded that pursuing knowledge and wisdom is a lifelong endeavor requiring constant vigilance and self-reflection. May Collective Illusions inspire us to question everything, seek truth fearlessly, and embrace the transformative power of critical thinking. Only then can we hope to build a world founded upon reason, justice, and compassion – a world where illusions no longer hold sway, but reality reigns supreme.
"We are so convinced that our perceptions are accurate that we rarely stop to consider the possibility that they might be wrong." (p. 17)
"The biggest obstacle to good decision-making isn't lack of information; we tend to ignore information that contradicts our preexisting beliefs." (p. 56)
"Conformity is not just a problem for others; it's a problem for every one of us. We are all susceptible to the pull of social influence, and we are all capable of being swept up in collective delusions." (p. 89)
"When we are surrounded by people who share our beliefs, we tend to assume that our beliefs must be true, without bothering to examine the evidence supporting them." (p. 115)
"The more tightly knit a group is, the more likely its members are to engage in groupthink, which is a form of collective delusion that arises when members of a group value loyalty to the group above all else." (p. 143)
"It's not enough to simply be aware of the potential for collective illusions; we must also actively seek out diverse perspectives and cultivate a willingness to challenge our own beliefs." (p. 177)
"The most effective way to combat collective illusions is to create a culture that values dissent and rewards those who speak truth to power." (p. 205)
"The only way to break free from the grip of collective illusions is to question everything, including our own beliefs and values." (p. 231)
"By acknowledging the limits of our knowledge and embracing uncertainty, we can develop a more nuanced understanding of the world around us and make better decisions." (p. 257)
"Ultimately, the best defense against collective illusions is a healthy dose of skepticism, combined with a willingness to question authority and challenge conventional wisdom." (p. 289)
