The novel by Michael Shermer explores the fanciful and dark side of the human mind
and our thought processes. Self-proclaimed skeptic, Shermer explains exactly
what skepticism is—it embodies science and thus skeptics are people “who
question the validity of a claim and tries to disprove it” (Shermer, 16). Therefore, Shermer decides to explore various
topics of discussion that is infamous in pseudoscience, such as the accuracy
and honesty of mediums/psychics (cold-readings versus hot-readings) and alien
abduction claims. Additionally, Shermer
discussed the darker side of pseudoscience such as cults and the denial of the
Holocaust. While also staying close to psychological terms and focusing on the
twenty-five main ways how thinking goes wrong, Shermer openly admits that
he has an “open mind” to many popular topics of pseudoscience. Shermer
also discusses how pseudoscience is constantly at odds with both religious views
versus scientific views.
What
gripped me with “Why People Believe Weird Things” was talking about Holocaust
denial. For me, the Holocaust impacted me so much while I was in school and in
a strange way, I seemed spiritually drawn to the Holocaust, that it amazed
people how some people deny this human tragedy in Europe. Deniers try to
explain that they are not denying the existence of the Holocaust, just main
aspects of the event. The basic truth is this: a mass plan to annihilate the
Jewish race IS the core definition of genocide—a mass execution of a particular
race and culture. I believe, in a way, denial of the Holocaust is similar to
how false memories work—it is that very fact that recalling memories from the
past, requires organization in such a way that the events make sense
psychologically and chronologically. Additionally, Holocaust denial can go back
to confirmation bias—the very essence of pseudoscience—where one looks for
information that supports their argument and claim; not considering opposition that
challenges their claim.
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