On Human Negativity Bias

July 27, 2016
by Adam Lee

What was the best year in history? If you could choose any year out of the entire span of human existence so far to be alive in, which one should you pick?

You could pick your answer for any number of reasons. You might choose to live in the age of exploration, or at the dawn of the scientific revolution, or in the company of great historical figures. But if you want the best chance of living a peaceful and happy life, if you’re going solely by the numbers, then it’s obvious: the answer is 2015.

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This is why atheists and rationalists must resist fear. Fear makes us simple-minded, intolerant of difference, anxious about change. Fear makes us shrink and withdraw, makes us anxious to cling to what we have, unwilling to explore or to build. Fear feeds the cause of religious fundamentalists, fanatics, and strongmen – everyone who sees a world drawn in simple lines of black and white. Fear makes people flock to dangerous demagogues who promise to keep us safe, whatever the cost.

Optimism is our weapon in the battle against irrational fear. We can’t erase negativity bias, but we can and should point out the facts about how much better we have it, compared to nearly everyone who’s ever lived. We can remind people of the improvements that have happened within living memory. And we can make the point that prosperity ultimately comes only from trust and cooperation, not xenophobia and suspicion. The fearmongers only offer retreat and retrenchment. They want to make us small.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/daylightatheism/2016/07/on-human-negativity-bias/#sthash.tfAp4a8s.dpuf