The Hidden Cost of Your Values | Steve Sloman

Do our convictions come at a cost? This week, we sit down with cognitive scientist and author Steve Sloman to unpack how the sacred values that shape our decisions so powerfully can also fuel polarization and conflict.

Steve highlights the critical difference between sacred values—identity-based beliefs that feel non-negotiable—and consequentialist thinking, which weighs outcomes. He reminds us that convictions are rarely “our own”; they’re shaped by community influence, social norms, and group identity. That’s why hot-button debates like gun control, sustainability, or public health often feel impossible to resolve—they’re not just about evidence, but about belonging and identity.

Our conversation also dives into the psychology of zealotry, why knowledge is more collective than individual, and how businesses can fall into the “sacred values trap.” Packed with practical insights, Steve offers ways to reframe conversations, foster humility, and find common ground. This episode invites you to rethink certainty—and to create better dialogue with those you may see as being on the other side.

Want to watch this episode? Check it out on our YouTube Channel