'Confirmation Bias' | Tim Minchin: BACK

Here’s a short - arguably funny - lecture from my show ‘Back’. It discusses among other things the science behind why we are becoming more divided, and why progressives need to learn that it is improbable that the path to more empathy will be paved with less empathy.
'Back' details: bit.ly/BACK_Digital_DVD
#timminchin
#BACK

[@davetoms1]

Confirmation Bias is my favourite bias. Because every time I experience it, it reminds me why it's the best.

[@jamielondon6436]

Not to mention that your confirmation bias is so much better than all the other cofirmation biases, because it's right.

[@bulhakov]

It's definitely the best feeling bias. It's basically the feeling of being right! :)

[@svenpoletka5236]

He seems like one of those try-hards, but it is much better to try too hard in order to find your shtick.

[@nathanwasser7677]

Unless you just learned about recency bias, in which case that one is obviously best.

[@triarb5790]

It's like the word yes.

[@JeffBedrick]

This performance pretty much confirms everything I already thought about confirmation bias.

[@georgecarrard7403]

Love it! Thanks!

[@AEONIC_MUSIC]

You just confirmed that this confirms my beliefs about confirmation bias

[@HexViccissitude]

@@AEONIC_MUSIC In fact you just confirmed what I had confirmed from Jeff Bedrick's confirmation of my previous confirmations on confirmation bias that I got from this video

[@AEONIC_MUSIC]

@@HexViccissitude Another data point! I skipped over all the comments that didn't confirm anything as that are usless and a complete waste of time

[@TheLoopy16]

Best comment of the year award goes to you my guy.

[@zarajday]

It's amazing that 14 years later and after many trials and character growths on my part later Tim Minchin is still making me absolutely amazed at his ability to get a room of people to shut up and rethink their actions and attitudes for a minute.

[@geromelegnome5446]

Never disappointing!!! Because he is is able to point out the hypocrisy on both sides without vilifying one over the other. The voice of the silent middle majority is so unrepresented in media these days. Fear based media playing to our deepest worry's is sadly what gets clicks!!!

[@erokvanrocksalot7545]

For 12 minutes actually hahaha

[@jannetteberends8730]

And of the people who watched this.

[@jeffmcneill]

Is that what they did?

[@roboticbrain2027]

That punchline at the end is just pure genius! Self deprecation instantly disarms any ad hominem argument.

[@professormancaptain4210]

I love when the laugh is on the literal last word, and yes to what you said

[@TheOrangeFlash]

Plus it’s universally correct that we’re all hypocrites, being flawed humans with our own biases and all. It’s the degree of hypocrisy and whether it’s weaponised against others that makes the difference though.

[@andrewharrison8436]

@@TheOrangeFlash ... and the degree to which we recognise our own hypocricy. Easy to spot someone elses flaws, quite hard to find a mirror we are willing to look in for our own.

[@eliecanetti]

As a strong believer in confirmation bias, I just knew I had to click on this instantly. Turns out I was right all along.

[@michaelg8193]

You just confirmed my thoughts. As I expected.

[@eliecanetti]

@@michaelg8193 I knew you would say that. And not just anybody, but you specifically (whoever you are).

[@triarb5790]

I agree with you both. We're a tribe. Let's play.

[@adlockhungry304]

My confirmation bias believes this comment is underrated.

[@leus]

This one made me LOL for real.

[@kayvee256]

Tim Minchin has engineered an entire career just to be able to live out the nerd dream of ranting at a captive audience about cognitive biases and have them _like it._

[@sarcasm-83]

True! Though there's a high chance I wouldn't like it if I didn't already like it.

[@louisejoel]

I love it

[@coreydolan3239]

The perfect explanation of how he’s not a real comedian.

[@sarcasm-83]

@@coreydolan3239 That is quite a dishonest way of just saying you don't like him.

[@Decebal825]

this is my dream too lol

[@Jemini4228]

Minchin is at once a masterful comedian and an insightful philosopher. He's managed to distill much of society's problems down into an 11 minute lecture.

[@anneferguson3045]

😂

[@SoopahG]

I'm pretty sure he was created in a lab coming the DNA of Bill Bailey and George Carlin.

[@plectro3332]

My favourite experience with confirmation bias was when I was arguing with a friend and then to prove our point, we both shared the same study. I thought it proved my point, while she thought it proved hers. It was the same study, same results, just exactly opposite conclusions

[@fran13r]

It's pretty funny/cool that if you both had reached out to the author of the study, they would've very likely responded pretty quickly to clarify any doubts and maybe help resolve which conclusion is closer to the truth. I've reach out to researchers with my random ass layman questions and they are oh so happy to help out.

[@MarianneHMiettinen]

This is THE crucial issue. Our perceptions are SO different if you discuss with a person who has a different personality and/or values. I was 24 (woman, over-weight), in university (interest in educational psychology, plays piano, almost no work experience), and I happened to be friends with, rather unusually, a 39-year-old paramedic (very practical, gym everyday, stock investor CEO of his own little company, who values freedom and speaks from his heart. He once shared me a clip of Jordan Peterson, and I watched it before reading his comments. I thought the main points in the video were COMPLETELY different than he did, even though we both liked the video. We seem to have different perceptional tracks based on which we find what appears to be important. I purposefully try to acquintance myself with people different from me. I have learned a HUGE amount of gigantically important things from two of my older male friends with different interests and life tracks. EXAMPLES of new info Communism is actually bad and we in democratic countries are INCREDIBLY lucky, freedom of speech is crucial for civilization, rich people are not bad and actually do often more good to others than poor people because 1) they provide jobs 2) they provide a valuable product (money is an exchange of value). I used to have the disdaining attitude toward the rich, or I used to not prioritize money-making because I thought character was more important; I've made a big change in direction. 3) Free trade is the most important piece of how you get poor countries out of poverty, though not the only one. 4)Money-making is about taking responsibility over yourself, putting yourself first, self-respect, indeed character strength. After you are sufficient to take care of yourself, can you have an impact in trying to help others.

[@happyelephant5384]

@@fran13r wow

[@victor-charlesscafati]

Who was right? :)

[@xpirate16]

I'm glad this video could reinforce my preexisting belief that Tim is hilarious

[@TheNefastor]

Welllllll it's more a fact than a belief, though, isn't it ? I may be biased, tho...

[@djd829]

@@TheNefastor Look at you guys, in your echo chamber

[@tortysoft]

I clicked because I have not found him funny before. I still don't but this set is genius !

[@youtubewatcher2]

@@djd829 look at you confirming your belief that people who don't share your beliefs live in a bubble.

[@djd829]

@@youtubewatcher2 🤣

[@sebastianklein9322]

“I checked my privilege and you’re still fucking wrong” made me laugh so hard

[@KillerBl8]

This he nicked from a gag I made up and never told to anybody, especially him. You can work out the rest of it from the punchline: "You have stupidly small feet and you're still a dick".

[@segafox]

"... and that is because I am a hypocrite." Ooh, I was so ready to be a little bit annoyed at the irony of the rant, and then that line smacked the wind out of my sails. Good show. Definitely something to think about. Tim always hits the nail on the head, and he's hilarious to boot.

[@xa5150]

Same. Even in the rant, he commits that which he argues against. The presentation of the two sides was, while critical of both, markedly different. By the time he finished with the “hippie” remark, I already knew where he leaned politically because both of his negative examples fell on the same side. The tone and further presentation expanding upon the his thoughts cemented and further defined it. The overall message was valuable. The recognition of his hypocrisy, poignant. It’s a shame the self-reflection wasn’t reflected in his performance beyond a nod. Play to your audience, I guess.

[@PianoDiary85]

@@xa5150 Well yes, he knows who his audience is so it's mainly from the perspective of progressives. He's not saying that you can't have thoughts or opinions though, he's just saying that shouting at people who are different from you isn't exactly going to bring people together.

[@dmwalker24]

In 12 minutes the man delivers nothing less than the best summation of the disintegration of society in the modern era, and is highly entertaining while doing so. Bravo!

[@Rainbowgrrl]

‘Churches are sports teams just with mascots who can fly’ gosh I love how your brain works and explains things!

[@Rainbowgrrl]

@@zealotestheaussie5880 well thanks for that psychology analysis pov

[@mattyguitar22]

@@zealotestheaussie5880 back to the usual nonsensical argument Atheism is literally a *lack of belief* In what way is that anything like religion? You, and even the most fundamental religious followers on the planet, are atheists 99.9% of the time. You are an atheist I assume about Zeus, or Thor, or Horus...

[@triarb5790]

@@zealotestheaussie5880 Your confirmation bias is working over time there. Here, have a cookie 🍪 and a lie down 🛌, you must be exhausted.

[@corneliusnowicki5363]

@@mattyguitar22 Atheism is not a lack of belief, full stop. Atheism is literally a belief that God does not exist. It is only a 'lack of belief' in the existence of God, which in itself is a belief. I don't disagree that atheism isn't a religion, but hopefully you can see why some might disagree with you.

[@mattyguitar22]

@@corneliusnowicki5363 I maybe didn't write properly in my comment. What I meant was a lack of belief *in God* Which is of course the opposite of any kind of religion. In my opinion it's not believing that God doesn't exist, it's not believing that God exists. Which I think is different

[@Zimke42]

I am so glad he's back with his shows. I know he has been doing so many very wonderful things, but I have missed this.

[@beastshawnee]

THIS!

[@annalisadugard3628]

Dear Tim, I must thank you for enriching my life with your genius! Listening to 'Sam's Mum' helped me get out of the Christianity echo chamber, and now I have discovered Matilda!!! What a masterpiece, I can't get the songs out of my head. Absolutely brilliant!

[@jackwhitbread4583]

The song is Thank You God not Sam's Mom and the song is less about religion and more about Tim's desire to include his vast vocabulary into a song

[@justyouraveragehumanbeing7411]

@@jackwhitbread4583 it definitely is about religion

[@PianoDiary85]

@@jackwhitbread4583 it's both.

[@Julkijussi]

@@jackwhitbread4583you wanted to show educational privilege? How dare you cannot hold back your bad manners.

[@MiniTrainLoco]

​@@jackwhitbread4583 It is always a joy to have someone in the comment section who will take the time to correct strangers when they don't use the correct title of a song. Tim would 've never figured out which song she was listening to. It's a shame she didn't understand what the song was about. Her gratitude for the enrichment of her life and how it helped her are clearly based on her own feelings. She probably didn't even notice his vast vocabulary before you mentioned it.

[@ethanbenson]

So great to see Minchin back to the sort of material that made him such an inspiration to me in my younger years. I remember a friend of mine showed me the "Cheese" song when I was 12 and then "The Pope Song" (which was a fantastic discovery going to a catholic school) and I went on to watch all of his material I could find. Tim is responsible for my atheism and my love of philosophy, debate and reason. To see this return to form is very exciting, I hope to catch his next tour.

[@scottbaker4534]

Ethan, I hope you can keep an open mind about the whole "god" question. I have no religion to sell you, as I have none to follow myself. I am concerned more and more that a kind of "religious atheism" is spreading (not that YOU are part of it) in which any thought of something greater, of larger scope, of superior ability, is dismissed by materialistic human hubris. A lack of belief in anything greater than one's self or species can (and I think already has) lead to mass extinctions and environmental destruction. From just seeing Tim for the first time, I can already surmise that he would say that there is just as much hazard in making a belief that there is definitely no god "no way, no how" a new form of dogmatic and tyrannical thought policing. It was tried in the USSR and a few other places. It never fully stuck, I believe, because there is part of every thinking person that realizes that no matter how smart we think we are, there is likely another life form in this galaxy which debates whether our species is actually "intelligent" or merely reactionary and with kindly evolved neurological clusters built into our DNA. It is quite likely there are species capable of all the magic tricks that Jesus and Jehovah are said to have performed in the Bible, though some books in the Bible is not very clear about whether God is actually what other books claim, i.e. the all-knowing creator of all things. At the very least, we should consider the possibility that something like those characters really are real. It's what Star Trek TNG hinted at in their episode with "Ardra" who claimed to be a god/devil thing who claimed ownership of a planet whose technology was not as advanced as hers. We can already do many of the things Jesus and Jehovah did. Personally, I'd appreciate a god-like being "coming back" to help straighten out some of the mess we've made. Just keep an open mind.

[@incollectio]

This is the best rant I've seen in years. Tim took us to his church for a good moment there.

[@thekarret2066]

Praise be to Tim Minchin. -slaps a counter-

[@juliewake4585]

I could watch Tim Minchin all day.

[@maryfitzpatrick3252]

I consume some Tim daily for past 14 years. Am 74 year old broad.

[@allyson5380]

Same here!! Discovered Tim two years ago during the pando and have been watching content pretty much every day since 💖😁

[@allyson5380]

​@@maryfitzpatrick3252 not gonna lie I am slightly envious of the fact you have been aware of him for so long😂 I don't regret much in my life, but one thing I do is not discovering Tim sooner

[@sarcasm-83]

I think he might get uncomfortable

[@Rhythmattica]

@@sarcasm-83 He is.. But!, theres is the one and only Cure.

[@snoookie456]

It's as if he opened my head and took out every single thought I've had in the last 5 to 10 years and turned it into comedy bits.

[@luv2dancesalsa465]

you are SO funny!

[@TAA1189]

…is this confirmation bias?

[@mrnice7570]

Tim Minching stole your act

[@SecondValveSteam]

Well, if you open your mind too much, your brain will fall out.

[@x1plus1x]

"It's a lot easier to fool someone, than it is to convince them that they've been fooled" - Somebody

[@terryfall8915]

Mark Twain

[@herculesmclovin]

👆 Terry playing along.. no mate it was George Orwell!!😬

[@terryfall8915]

@@herculesmclovin Then Orwell got it from Twain.

[@herculesmclovin]

@@terryfall8915 nahh, you've been fooled !

[@terryfall8915]

​@@herculesmclovin Not really. This quote has been attributed to Twain for a very long time. Look it up. Twain certainly could not have borrowed the quote from Orwell. I did some research. Here is the original quote. It's not the exact wording, but it is the same idea: ""The glory which is built upon a lie soon becomes a most unpleasant incumbrance. ... How easy it is to make people believe a lie, and how hard it is to undo that work again!" - Autobiographical dictation, 2 December 1906. Published in Autobiography of Mark Twain, Volume 2 (University of California Press, 2013)

[@weaq84]

Was literally typing this "Yes, don't shame people online. Just turn your shaming into a catchy piano-composed melody instead" when he said what he said right at the end of the video. He's brilliant.

[@avi8r66]

Tim Minchin, George Carlin, Gallagher, and many, many other comedians have proved themselves to be amazing philosophers helping people see through the fog of indoctrination and beginning their journey to a closer relationship with reality.

[@waywardangel6356]

Hallelujah 🙌 at that! He is a f**%ing genius!

[@wobblysauce]

More so they have read all the books to find the funny stuff

[@avi8r66]

@@wobblysauce They have to be pretty well read to be this quick witted on the highly divisive topics and survive to have a career. It's not enough to just poke fun and run, they need to have all the contingencies figured out they can.

[@wobblysauce]

@@avi8r66 Well some do, just not the ones mentioned.

[@SteveBluescemi]

...Gallagher?

[@acehighjohn1759]

Always love a Minchin monologue....10/10!

[@givengrange82]

When you first released this video/show, I was blown away by how you were able to express the things in my heart about how all this opposition and vitriol can't possibly become love and respect. I watch and rewatch it with tears in my eyes, appreciative that you found a way to explain it so creatively and relatably. Thank you SO much with every fiber of my being.

[@MikeLazarus]

This just confirms my bias that Tim Minchin is always worth listening to.

[@dougy6237]

Waiting for Tim's new song "Sorry Cardinal Pell". There's a couple of lines in there about 7 unanimous Australian High Court Judges, and a bunch of crims who put didn't even have the brains to make up decent lies.

[@MikeLazarus]

​@@dougy6237 Why sorry? Pell acknowledged that he protected and defended convicted paedophiles and persecuted their victims... Doesn't matter about his case, overturned on a technicality, he is a disgusting piece of work

[@PianoDiary85]

@@dougy6237 If you listen to the Cardinal Pell song, it has nothing to do with the charges against Pell himself. He is simply stating the findings of the Royal Commission - that Pell knew about abuse that was happening within the church and did nothing.

[@jackeroo_sundown]

I want to give Tim a damn hug, he's a treasure.

[@sunrisinghot]

I don't know who this guy is, but he is funny and honest. Confirmed for me there is still hope for the human race!

[@jamierichardson7683]

I hope this was the start of a fabulous journey through Tim's work

[@MrGreenAKAguci00]

Tim, aside from being a hypocrite, you are also a gentleman and a scholar, and we need more of your kind.

[@fugithegreat]

I wish I could have been at this show. Absolutely the best summary of the state of things that I've heard.

[@sarcasm-83]

I was going to go for the show near my birthday at the end of November, but my severe social anxiety got the best of me after covid cancelled all group therapy. FFuuu. It's never been more scary to go out in the world with how divided people are on ... everything. Already have "what if"-thoughts and now I gotta wonder if my life will be ruined if I disagree a little with the wrong person lol. But very glad that there's a special I can still watch. God I wish he will still do a tour some day in the future and I'm well enough to go see him. Would be a dream come true.

[@budd2nd]

Any idea where he is touring ATM?

[@triarb5790]

@@budd2nd He was in Melbourne earlier this year. Does that help?

[@budd2nd]

@@triarb5790 okay thanks

[@lifeunderthestarstv]

Just enjoy the ride bro. We all doomed.

[@klefferhd]

"That dicky on dicky make the baby Jesus feel icky" must be one of the best lines i have ever heard XD 6:58

[@carlkenner4581]

That's because it's confirmation bias. It's completely stupid if you actually think about it.

[@OddballEddie]

I saw this when he played in Manchester, it was such an amazing concert. Tim's insights were just hilarious and we'll thought out. Absolutely loved it.

[@kingjames104]

As a Right-Wing, Christian, who now lives in Texas of all places. I loved this and you sir have penetrated me deeply! lol

[@flyboy4361x]

that's what she said

[@utubepunk]

PHRASING.

[@embramorgan6720]

@@utubepunk if yall had paid attention to this clip you'd understand the reference.

[@azena.]

It's the kind of deep penetration that you just have to sit back and enjoy! Although, I'd be surprised if you continued to describe yourself as a right-wing Christian after such an impactful penetration!

[@PianoDiary85]

Tim would be very pleased to hear this 😅. It is a broad church!

[@connor_phillipz5689]

God I missed this kind of content from Tim.

[@michaelling2607]

I think God did too.

[@triarb5790]

You're both talking about gods ergo you must be christians because I know from the intermewebs that christians think only christians have a god called 'God' ergo you are religious nuts I know because youtube told me ergo I don't like what you have to say because Im atheist ergo you are not in my tribe ergo I disagree with everything you said and will say from now on because it will confirm everything I believe about you even if it doesn't and you are really iny tribe and just using god as your sentence prop because that's how confirmation bias works. Or something.

[@pw7225]

Which god are you referring to?

[@kendracherie13]

I lean conservative Christian but it doesnt change the fact that tim minchin is one of my favorite comedians, there are some of us out here that arent insulted by everything. I think the world is way too offended on both sides.

[@jonathanrivlin6248]

George Carlin has passed the torch. This man is a genius.

[@eclectickimmer]

Eddie Izzard is another brilliant sod. 🤯

[@justasomeone7860]

If this is anything to go by, he doesn't hold a candle to George Carlin. He needs a lot more cognitive development. He is full of confirmation bias and is spouting about it as if he knows what it is.

[@D4nnyC4tz]

@Just a someone he literally admits that at the end when he calls himself a hypocrite. Shows he is self aware.

[@justasomeone7860]

@@D4nnyC4tz Ah, ok, I didn't get that far - gave up on it about halfway through. The thought did occur to me that maybe he would do something like that at the end, but it seemed unlikely going by how convinced he seemed of everything he was saying. Thanks for letting me know. Maybe I will watch the rest.

[@TheNefastor]

@@justasomeone7860 in other words, you let your own confirmation bias stop you from watching the whole video because you anticipated there was a chance he'd say something that didn't confirm your bias. If you really are as much into Carlin as you seem to imply, maybe you should listen to him some more. And maybe this time listen to his *entire* points, not just the first halves.

[@chingscott00]

2:00 "and this is why, throughout history, humans have been terrible people." Ha! I know this isn't the point of his talk, but I instantly love this man's honesty. It's exactly what I've come to realize the older I get...

[@annettereynolds7457]

12 years ago, we went to watch Tim in Manchester, and we got stuck in the snow on the way home. All night. We didn't get home until 6am the next day. It was so totally worth it. Amazing night.

[@doddster76]

Think I got home about 7 to The Lakes, memorable 👍🏼

[@maryschumacher2306]

The most intelligent and multi-talented artist in the world...blown away by this!

[@TAA1189]

The most intelligent? …confirmation bias. 😉

[@terilee7791]

I am so grateful for KZbin because otherwise I would not have heard of Tim Minchin or his brilliance ! I just binged Upright and it was the best thing I have seen in ages!

[@robhall3311]

I never fail to be amazed by the genius and talent of Tim Minchin. A brilliant performer (watch him in "JC Superstar"), a hilarious comedian, and a truly profound Truth-Speaker. The world sooooo needs him.

[@2thinkcritically]

Watched this show twice - once live and again in the cinema. Tim, you and your band are worth every penny.

[@cloverhighfive]

No irony is lost on Tim. That's why I love him :)

[@carlkenner4581]

Actually, the irony is entirely lost on Tim (and you).

[@armadillo6034]

There are some beautiful points in this rant but I'm sitting here replaying "I'm a hypocrite" over and over because it brings me joy

[@memoore7821]

So so happy Tim is back! You made me feel sane in my very Catholic household growing up. Always appreciate the bite back to take a good look at ourselves too

[@MrLordFireDragon]

Never heard someone put the folly of modern progressivism so perfectly. If our message is love, let's spread that! Inspire others rather than being their enemy!

[@carlkenner4581]

Your message isn't love. Progressivism is pure evil, hatred, and suffering and always has been. Progressivism is the world's most dangerous religion.

[@aleksandra...]

Oh, please, let us know how would you inspire a fascist to stop being one?

[@carlkenner4581]

@@aleksandra... By fixing the problems fascists are upset about.

[@aleksandra...]

@@carlkenner4581 pls elaborate because the way you phrased it, you might as well openly advocate for genocide(s) hope not, and you were just clumsy in expressing your thoughts

[@MrStyles784]

Spreading love to fascists and bigots doesn't work - they'll only ever understand the error of their beliefs if they find themselves on the other side, being treated the way they treat others. Until then, they keep trying to weaponize tolerance as cover for their continued shitty behavior

[@debrag8372]

Tim brings me joy, plain and simple. Thank you

[@danabana8121]

I just discovered this man & lament the time in my life I didn’t know who he was! BRILLIANT. Absolutely brilliant. Wow!😱👏👏👏👏

[@beccisstuff8503]

Tim I am continually trying to explain this to so many people who seem to have very limited views, especially when they argue that they only see stuff that benefits those views. I will so be sharing this because it is nice to be able to show other people explaining the way bias is still heavy in the internet.

[@marquisdemoo1792]

This confirms my beliefs about social media...... PS. Wonderful as ever!

[@sarcasm-83]

Ikr bubble friend! You're alright!

[@glengreer9614]

Tim! I’m so SO glad you’re BACK! I missed you! Sincerely, an American

[@karl_alan]

Thank you for this. It is frustrating how many people that claim they want the world to be better would rather belittle and ostracize people with opposing beliefs than try to talk to them and help others understand where they are coming from

[@carolwaller9605]

I agree wholeheartedly with your comment, it is frustrating 😢

[@kenfalloon3186]

This is the best attempt l have heard at trying to challenge the current vicious tribalism and the only one that spikes both extremes of the culture wars. Bravo Tim mate. Sometimes ridicule is the most effective tool

[@jemxs]

This is fantastic I've missed his fun but rare rants!

[@Georgetrooley]

The diplomacy dyke seems to be on its last legs

[@thescribblequeen]

I see what you did there.

[@jemxs]

@@thescribblequeen 😜

[@Gongasoso]

*rare but fun, but ye

[@jemxs]

@@Gongasoso haha yes let's just say poetic licence and late night typing 😜

[@IceMetalPunk]

There's a set of sociological/psychological theories (that I *wish* I could remember the name of to Google the pioneer's name, as all I remember is that she's been famous in the field for like 40 years) describing "nested tribes" of a modern global population, and how the way we view our nested tribes tends to determine how we view and treat other people. It's effectively a spectrum between intersection and union, where at one end, you define "other" as "anyone who doesn't belong to ALL my tribes", and at the other end, you define "other" as "anyone who doesn't belong to ANY of my tribes". People with the former worldview tend to be less empathetic, because they only consider a small number of very similar people to be "their tribe", and thus don't allow themselves -- through many biases, including confirmation bias -- exposure to other life experiences. On the other side, those who take a more union-based view tend to be more empathetic, because the people they consider "their tribe" may have only one thing in common with them, and so they're inherently more exposed to other peoples' experiences. All this is to say: our instincts that evolved when "our tribe" was a single nomadic family unit are not sufficient for the modern, complex world, and meta-cognition about those instincts is super important if we're to be decent people to each other and progress as much as we can.

[@Gongasoso]

If you can find the specific information that you refer to here I would be really interested in looking into it. It makes perfect sense and I struggle with it daily in my social circles

[@IceMetalPunk]

@@Gongasoso I wish I had more, but I can't even remember the official/formal name of the field of study ☹️ I should have written some of it down and saved it to my Dropbox or something, but I didn't, and now my brain's memory centers are failing me.

[@ltmund]

To take this a step further, we know we are tribal animals, and that has been a large part of our evolutionary success. That cant just be switched off. I cant think of a single tribal trait that cant be explained as beneficial in some evolutionary strategy. For millions of years it has served us. It will take generations to remove them.

[@IceMetalPunk]

@@Gongasoso Holy shit, I found it! It took some Google-fu, and then I literally sat there reading every citation on multiple Wikipedia articles until a name sounded familiar, but I found it! 😁 It's called the theory of optimal distinctiveness, and it was pioneered by Dr. Marilynn B. Brewer.

[@IceMetalPunk]

@@ltmund It can't "just be switched off", but we can use our neocortex, especially our prefrontal cortex, to recognize when our instincts are unhelpful or unworthy, and choose to ignore them in our decision making.

[@johnfox1991]

my goodness dude completely NAILED this talk/stand up/live airing out/history classroom 🤩

[@pretzeltime3900]

So happy to see Tim back with his awesome comedy and brilliant thought patterns! ❤❤❤❤

[@samuelosbornemagic]

Genuinely awesome! I watched this in the cinema and this bit really stuck with me, super smart, super funny. Absolutely brilliant writing! Thanks Tim

[@KlesierTheSurvivor]

Tim here reminds me here of George Carlin and im all for it

[@thorgwen7656]

You make me smile, laugh and think. Thank you Tim.

[@JerryPaulTreeCreations]

Tim, you are awesome! Not since the late George Carlin, have I seen someone so beautifully, brutally, and honestly, put to words this human condition we all tend to suffer from. (... or revel in, depending on one's perspective...) On top of all that, you do it with humour, musicianship, and a uniquely frenetic style that people can't help but pay attention to. Admittedly, when I watched my first Tim Minchin video, suggested to me by a friend, I thought you might be on the verge of some kind of breakdown during "Dark Side". LOL .... But, it got my attention, and I've been a fan of your work ever since. I'm always blown away with your phenomenal piano riffs, and the lyrics are like actual food for my brain, as opposed to the candy floss vomit being shovel fed to the mainstream masses these days. (oh f**k... I'm starting to sound like my dad... ) I'm not sure you read the comments, but if you do, I just want to thank you, Tim! Cheers! P.S. - You made me kind of 'like' Judas. ... And, I'm an atheist! LOL (at least he tried...)

[@dougy6237]

Waiting for Tim's new song "Sorry Cardinal Pell". There's a couple of lines in there about 7 unanimous Australian High Court Judges, and a bunch of crims who put didn't even have the brains to make up decent lies.

[@jackwhitbread4583]

​@@dougy6237 in his come home cardinal Pell song he does not accuse George of anything, he simply appeals for him not to be a coward and answer to questions that were surrounding him about covering up pedophillia. He also donated every single penny of that piece of music to the victims of the Catholic Church, tell me douchnozzle, what exactly did the sewer rat George Pell do to help any of the Church's victims?

[@ParchmentKH77ftw]

I want to watch this again. He said things that I haven't heard for a while. Echo Chambers are powerful things

[@dougshaw6050]

Things that you already agree with!

[@bobby4tw]

Except for a person that is inherently devils advocate

[@lifeunderthestarstv]

People have become brain dead since social media man. Its painful dealing with anyone now. Everyone thinks they are the main character.

[@ellariel7457]

This rant is one of my favorite pieces of all time. Pure genius: words, to blocking, to delivery, all brilliant. And as a proposal for human unity, it’s no slouch, either. I’ll listen to Tim talk to TED any day! 😉 (And this would seem extremely random, except that I’m a retired speechwriter - & good words are good words.) So FWIW, Tim’s TED Talk just happens to share some DNA with a fictional speech on similar themes: Peter Capaldi to the Zygons and UNIT (also featured on Letters Live.) I know, the ozone and global warming and all of it… but imho, no message is as Important right now as unity. I’ll can’t wait for the US release of this disc, but in the meantime, I’m happy to let Tim explain it to me right here every day. 😂

[@chubbyjubjub3593]

Tim, you're back and I'm loving every second of it!

[@troybaier5460]

I’ve watched you for so long you are an epitaph of what I wish to be.

[@pkowalewski1984]

If only the world would be more like the message that you're trying to share rather than the jokes that encompass it, I think it would be a much better place. I wish you all the best, I enjoy every second of your TED talks and songs :)

[@lindybeige]

Yup! Kindness tends to win people over more than sneering.

[@carlkenner4581]

You're missing the point. You shouldn't be trying to win people over when there's a 50% chance that they're right and you're wrong.

[@lifeunderthestarstv]

That's one of the faults of capitalism. We choose popularity and nicety over fact and truth. It's why we elect idiots. Not experts of their fields.

[@badshroud8767]

did not expect to see you here mr lindybeige

[@kddidit08]

​@@carlkenner4581 That's not how truth works

[@carlkenner4581]

@@kddidit08 Incorrect. You in particular need to start considering the possibility that the people you are talking to are smarter than you.

[@cpdennis11]

Outstanding analogy of everything we do and say, made plain and clear in about 12 minutes.

[@tortysoft]

By far his best set that I have seen. Hardly a laugh in it, it was all too true to laugh at, but the few I did find funny were brilliant. - eg the flying mascot 🙂 I loved to see his mind work, the flow, the break in it, the recovery - that was the best part for me. Great stuff. I hope he helped someone to unlock !

[@katemick]

I was pondering the exact same point today. Tim Minchin says it much more succinctly than my ADHD brain ever could. I did manage to concentrate fully to the end though. Perhaps it’s because I do like Tim Minchin. Loveable Rascal 😊

[@lunaumbra5179]

He was succinct???

[@donittanoe8289]

I could watch him all day

[@dondesper6552]

How is it fing possible that I just discovered this guy yesterday. He is now one of my favorite people.

[@dwilson9546]

I absolutely love this. You say things that I dream of saying to my parents, but would never dare for fear of being written out of their will! I sleep better at night knowing that my fears and aspirations are being espoused in a way far more eloquent than mine 💜

[@justinwilbur4094]

I could listen to Tim's rants all day LOL

[@allyson5380]

Absolutely fucking love this🤣 From confirmation bias to why tribalism is moving us all further apart to the very important fact that mint should be nowhere near chocolate or any other type of food, this is a brilliant educational lesson distilled into eleven minutes so funny you will hardly be aware that you were learning. Hoping I can get the DVD soon, and until then I plan to watch this at least a dozen more times, as the law of diminishing returns in humor doesn't seem to apply to Tim💖 (at least not for me. I can quote some talky bits by heart and yet still laugh as hard as the first time I ever heard them😂)

[@rei-rei]

But I like mint chocolate.

[@AA-cf4es]

mint chocolate is the best

[@terranovarubacha5473]

Don't listen to them; they're objectively wrong

[@thewickedpixie63]

You are absolutely right I can't abide mint chocolate 😁 i adore Tim Minchin though and he's a genius. His hilarious rants are extremely insightful and intelligent as well as being laugh out loud funny. The extreme right and extreme left may eventually go so far as to meet on the other side and cause annihilation.

[@Rainbowgrrl]

Funny thing mint is a food in its own right being a herb, and mint chocolate is great! As are mojitos and all manner of mint variety things…

[@matth3w2002]

Ladies and gentleman Mr.Tim-hit the nail right on the head-Minchin!

[@NicholasReay]

Saw this live, and it was and still is brilliant.

[@JoeSebGriff]

"I checked my privilege and you're still fucking wrong!" 🤣

[@daisyjane5007]

Love Tim’s way with words music 🎶 & morals

[@dudemayes]

Oh man, I'm glad you're back. This is great.

[@jayneyreuter9184]

Could. Not. Agree. MORE! Thank you for saying this Minchin (and also the Ginger song is perfection!)

[@literofcola]

I've had similar conversations with myself. Right on. I'm with you.

[@sarcasm-83]

Yeah the sheer amount of people who think they are the most accepting and kind, but instead act about the most judgmental and shut every disagreeing person out is completely baffling to think about. Never managed to quite put it to words as well as Tim here though and I'm glad someone said it out loud..

[@RVgeeks]

Cannot WAIT to see Back in its entirety here in North America!

[@tomshepherd4901]

As usual, a brilliant and insightful monologue! His ability to deftly coalesce the human experience into a logical and coherent narrative is both marvelous and somewhat offputting, (why the hell didn't I think of that?!) I can't wait to hear more!

[@naiad5]

Oh, Mr. Tim Minchin, I have adored thee from afar since I stumbled across your Feet many moons ago! And now your Back-ness confirms my admiration and awe! Just my unbiased opinion, of course!

[@philippebrehier7386]

I was already a fan of Tim Minchin and now, thanks to this video, I'm sure I am right to be. 🙃

[@MikkoRantalainen]

This whole video is a perfect example of confirmation bias.

[@savorymarshmallows]

If you learned about confirmation bias from this video, be careful. You're about to start seeing it everywhere.

[@lifeunderthestarstv]

The fact people need this pointed out to them in 2022 is so depressing.

[@CreationistDouchebag]

@@lifeunderthestarstv how so? As I see it we all need to hear this regularly, just to make sure we filter our current beliefs

[@randomspirit6061]

@@CreationistDouchebag I can kick you to wake up. But not 258 times in a week.

[@CreationistDouchebag]

@@randomspirit6061 Are you okay?

[@lifeunderthestarstv]

@@CreationistDouchebag if people haven't self realised this by late high school / college. They just aren't built for critical thinking Imo. And good for them, it's not fun. It's easier being ignorant.

[@natashageorge1490]

The world literally drives me insane, but you really do give me hope x

[@LostYogi]

Thank you, Tim, you cleverly put into a rant, what I have been trying to say for years, in a way people where people would not be offended❤❤

[@user-is2ec2ky8t]

⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️...

[@101Hurricane]

what an absolute legend

[@liquidlychee]

Amazing work!

[@rubyherring]

most other performers in Tim's shoes would've stopped this monologue at 7:32, but he just turned around and went going. truly why I love him so much.

[@vladimirr9772]

This is like a breath of fresh air in the modern society....

[@Babyluthi]

Excellent TED talk Tim💙😄

[@spencerharmon4669]

This is 100% true. Also: there's a line to cross which is actually fascism (and not the hyperbolic reductum ad hitlerum described in this bit). People can be reasoned out of that, but for all the reasons listed here, it's very difficult to do. When it comes to violent fascism, of which there is an alarming amount, I think "by any means necessary" is the appropriate standard with which to defend ourselves. Think: people bringing those assault weapons to drag shows to murder everyone. We don't have to show them love and kindness even if love and kindness is a quality we want to bring about in the world.

[@basilfawlty123]

I bet if you showed them love and kindness before the event things would be different. I submit that we'd lower the liklihood of people bringing assault weapons to drag shows if there weren't so many people gleefully engaged in winding people up with stories of drag shows in schools. "Whats wrong with this man in drag reading 50 Shades to kids bigot?!" You can actually prevent fascism before you have to deal with it. You can prevent violent opposition by not going out of your way to stir up violent opposition.

[@GazB85]

@@basilfawlty123 No one is reading 50 Shades of Grey to kids. Even they’ll know it’s shit. And nice victim blaming, the drag artists just read kid’s stories to them. Yes, it can seem strange to some but drag isn’t always sexual.

[@basilfawlty123]

@@GazB85 ok groomer

[@spencerharmon4669]

@@basilfawlty123 LOL. Thank god someone showed up to stick up for the fascists. I totally forgot that it's a completely rational response to murder trans people for...*checks notes*... existing. GTFO troll. I don't like you and Tim Minchin doesn't either.

[@basilfawlty123]

@@spencerharmon4669 who said it's a rational response? I didn't. I think you're arguing with your perception of me rather than me. People sometimes respond irrationally to irrational shit. When small groups of ideologically driven lunatics try tearing down the very fabric of society, don't be surprised when small groups of ideologically driven lunatics on the opposing side start doing the same. Apparently attempting to explain how to prevent fascism is sticking up for fascism now? I think you've helped prove Tim's point 🤣

[@Vazik05]

Tim, your music lifted me in times of sadness and depression. Your rants and going off the tracks a bit like this make me laugh like a fucking toddler and make people think I'm clinical lol. Never stop never stopping, and keep being you. You're a diamond in a world of shitty silicate.

[@dismalthoughts]

God, I love this man; it's so good to see him back at it dropping more knowledge and ideas that I already believe and agree with!

[@julianroninbb]

Loved what Tim said here. This is how most "progressives" act on social media , especially Twitter... 😅 "If you tell someone that they’re a fascist and publicly shame them on the internet for what they believe, you’ve lost them" "You have prioritised your need to express your outrage, and if we’re honest, more often than not, signal your virtue, over the possibility that you could utilise your educational privilege to reach across this algorithmic chasm." I've personally always thought that if you get furious at someone (especially online, as most people aren't as aggressive in real life due to not wanting to get punched... 😅) & shout at them with anger because you don't agree with them, then it wont help the 🌏 become a more progressive & loving place. Educate don't indoctrinate. You'll just end up causing more division in society.

[@Itssmial_Ova]

Tim explains the Confirmation Bias and then immediately and without any hint of irony stumbles head first into the paradox of tolerance. Brilliant!

[@DenoWaffles]

I am in college, and this has helped me in one of my classes. Thank you for the Brut Honesty and Humor.

[@samuelhamblin7535]

I'm glad you're posting again