I deeply fear confirmation bias. It feels like the easiest trick to fall for and I don’t like the idea that I probably fall for it all the time.
It’s not just singular confirmation bias that I fear. “Singular” as in “relating to a specific topic.” I fear a form of confirmation bias where I get into the habit of a particular style of thinking and never challenge whether it’s correct.
Sometimes I’ll consider some particular topic that someone’s brought up and I’ll reach a conclusion about it pretty quickly. Then I’ll catch myself – “Wait, am I pretty confident about this because I’m experienced and this topic closely relates to something I have expertise on, or did I just jump to a conclusion without foundation?”
Sometimes it’s the former! But probably not as often as I think. So I like to take the time to practice thinking the other way. I’ll defend positions I don’t hold, even if it’s just to myself for a while. It’s a good way to keep my brain limber.
At least, I’m pretty sure it is.
The Opportunity Machine 