You See What You Want to See

 

Yes, that's what people do. They see what they want to see and then collect evidence to support that position. It's the Law of Attraction at work.

Take for example an environmental or the political issues, for every position that someone holds there is someone else countering that position with new or different evidence. Each side is seeing what they want to see. It is what they already believe in. They keep looking and hearing for the side that they already believe in, collecting evidence along the way to support it. When something does come up that may cast doubt on their beliefs, it is casted aside as not reliable, gossip, political positioning.

If everyone was truly open to all the evidence that is out there we would not have debates or discussions, in essence, there wouldn't be conflict. Of course, the evidence could come down as being inconclusive, in fact, that is usually the case. Therefore, all anyone can go on is their own beliefs. Everyone filters the information they receive through their own world view on the subject.

Be aware of when you are holding a position. Are you doing it to be right, to validate your position? When you are collecting evidence, are you truly looking at all aspects or only the ones you agree with? Basically, are you truly being open.