Insight by Psychology

Dehumanization plus unchecked power enables extreme cruelty because turning people into 'non‑people' collapses emotional barriers to harm, and concentrated power with social conformity removes accountability for atrocities.

Increasing physical or psychological distance—via artillery, remote weapons, or dehumanizing rhetoric—makes mass violence easier because it removes direct confrontation and the moral resistance that face-to-face contact normally triggers.

When people are uncertain they look to perceived authorities rather than introspection because internal confusion undermines reliable self-judgment, so deferring to experienced voices reduces uncertainty.

A practical strategy is to act as if you control your destiny to sustain effort, but also acknowledge luck and use any fortune to help others because belief in control drives persistence while admitting chance prevents overconfidence and promotes redistribution.

Public beliefs change more through trusted leaders and prevailing narratives than by direct evidence because people adopt views based on whom they trust, so shifting leaders' positions can reframe collective opinion without individuals reevaluating evidence.

Social fitness is a practice because relationships weaken without ongoing attention, so regular routines (calls, shared activities, check‑ins) are needed to preserve bonds that regulate stress and well‑being.

When people explain their beliefs or actions they often offer post‑hoc rationalizations because many causal mental processes operate unconsciously and are inaccessible to introspection.

Admitting luck in your success increases perceived kindness because acknowledging external help signals humility and social awareness, which makes observers view you as more likable and trustworthy.