If humans were all rational, then once facts had been imparted, they would be assessed and analysed and a new conclusion would be formed. Aaron is an example of why that does not work for many and why humans have the capacity to proverbially bury themselves in concrete and serve absolutely no purpose to the good running of any society.
The following should be shown and discussed in every year 9+ classroom across the country.
Explaining Aaron and those like him
Many humans fail to think rationally because the human mind did not evolve to be purely logical but rather to survive in complex social and environmental settings. Rational thought requires deliberate effort, whereas much of human cognition relies on heuristics, mental shortcuts that make decision-making faster but often less accurate. These shortcuts are efficient in everyday life but can easily lead to systematic errors in judgement. People tend to rely on instinct, intuition, or prior experience, which may help in some situations but can obstruct objective analysis when evidence contradicts their assumptions.
Confirmation bias plays a central role in this irrationality. Rather than seeking information that might challenge their beliefs, people often focus on data that supports what they already think or feel. This tendency is reinforced by the human desire for cognitive consistency, as contradictions create discomfort. In today’s digital environment, where algorithms curate information streams to align with personal interests, individuals can find themselves in echo chambers that strengthen their existing opinions. The result is that rational debate becomes harder, as people are less likely to encounter, let alone accept, opposing viewpoints.
Prejudice adds another layer of distortion to human thought. Social identity and cultural background heavily influence the way individuals interpret information and assess others. Stereotypes, ingrained biases, and group loyalties can override evidence and reason, leading to unfair judgements and discriminatory behaviours. Such biases are often subconscious, meaning people may genuinely believe they are thinking objectively while their perceptions remain skewed. Rationality is therefore not only a matter of logic but also of awareness, humility, and the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about one’s own mental limitations.
Don’t be like Aaron.
