Hey —
Ever made a comment or post with solid, sourced truth…
and watched someone double down harder on a lie?
That’s the backfire effect in action.
I read about it in a report Harvard Law School report from 2015.
But it’s not super academic. It’s pretty simple.
When someone’s belief is tied to their identity or a core fear, facts don’t land.
They don’t hear facts. They hear an attack on who they think they are.
So what do you do?
Don’t try to win. Try to clarify.
Don’t lead with “you’re wrong.” Lead with what’s true.
Don’t try to be the hero. Boost someone they already trust.
You can’t force someone to question their deeply held beliefs.
But you can stop wasting your breath and shouting into the void — and speak in a way that actually cuts through.
And when the conversation drifts, bring it back to the truth you started with — the part that actually matters.
Talk soon,
—Austin
P.S. I deeply believe that we (and I mean all of humanity) need to relearn some basic skills.
Skills like listening to each other. And talking from our hearts.
The kind of thing you do when you’re walking side by side down an old dirt road. Not from at home behind your keyboard.
If you agree, then please spread the word about this newsletter. Send them to www.DirtRoadRevolution.com to sign up.