Imagine two people who disagree about whether red wine is good for you. 
One believes it is. 
The other believes it isn’t.

They read the same article from a science journal. 
The first person highlights a sentence that says, “Substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent coronary artery disease,” and concludes that a daily glass must be improving his health.

The second person points to the very next line: “Any links between red wine and fewer heart attacks aren't completely understood,” and takes it as evidence that the benefits are uncertain. 

They read the same article, but neither of them changes their mind. 

This happens because our brains tend to dismiss information that goes against what we already believe, and to seek out information that confirms what we already believe. 
That tendency is called “Confirmation bias.” 

When someone questions your views, your instinct may not be to reconsider them. It may be to defend them more strongly.  
So what can you do?

First, don’t assume you don’t have confirmation bias.
Everyone does. 
It’s part of being human.

Second, when you encounter information that challenges your view, pause before dismissing it.

Remind yourself that staying open to changing your mind can make you smarter. 

In a Civic Assembly, that openness helps your group evaluate ideas more carefully. And that’s how Collective Wisdom is built.