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rahulvarshney's avatar

Great article. 12 step programs based on the 12 steps/traditions of AA are an ideal incubator for contrarian ideas. This article reminded me of the story of evolution pertaining to black/white moths on white oaks during the industrial error. Prior to industry, white moths dominated bc black moths highly contrasted to the white oak trees & were easily spotted by predators. Yet as industry kicked in, the oaks became covered by soot. Suddenly the black moth became dominant. So after centuries of one trait dominance, survival demanded a change. Amazing! In a similar fashion, I've found Alcoholics Anonymous to be a community where my ideas of emotional sobriety can be nurtured. Ultimately, if I can help the newcomer find sobriety, then my ideas take dominance, regardless of that my sobriety is less than one year old. In this way, 12 step programs are unions through and through, allowing people to harmonize & essentially thwarting group think. Amazing, amazing stuff. If anyone is curious, feel free to tweet me @vovrv.

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Overcoming Bias Commenter's avatar

"Emotional groupthink is where people try to punish those who depart from the consensus. I confess I don’t understand this part of the problem."

read my next post (should be up in a day or so and I think it has a good metaphor for this).

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