Science Doesn’t Advance by Persuasion

R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness · Jan 23, 2026 · 5m

One of the most interesting things I’ve learned in science is this:

No amount of convincing will ever change people’s minds.

No amount of work.

No amount of data.

No perfectly designed study.

Strongly held beliefs don’t move because you argue better.

In my field, it’s almost understood that ideas don’t win by persuasion.

They win when people move on.

You can complement existing ideas.

You can challenge them carefully.

But if you think evidence alone will do the work, you’re going to be frustrated for a long time.

I’ve learned this the hard way.

When people are skeptical, no amount of data…