Changing people’s mindsets is one of the most difficult tasks in life.
As Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman emphasized, altering deeply rooted beliefs and entrenched behaviours is exceptionally challenging. In his seminal book Thinking, Fast and Slow, he explains that this difficulty arises from the way the human brain functions.
According to Kahneman, our thinking operates through two systems:
System 1 – fast, automatic, intuitive, and emotional.
System 2 – slow, deliberate, analytical, and logical.
Most of our judgments and decisions are governed by System 1 because it conserves mental energy. It relies on mental shortcuts (heuristics) and existing beliefs. When new information challenges those beliefs, the brain often resists, preferring familiar patterns over effortful reasoning.
System 2, which could reassess and revise those beliefs, requires conscious effort and energy. As a result, people tend to defend their existing views rather than critically examine them. This is why facts alone rarely change minds.
Understanding this psychological reality helps us approach social change, education, and leadership with patience. If we truly wish to influence others, we must engage emotions, build trust, and create environments where reflective thinking is encouraged.
Dr Santosh Kumar Mohapatra
Changing people’s mindsets is one of the most difficult tasks in life ,our thinking operates through two systems-Dr Santosh Kumar Mohapatra Cuttack
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