Why We Never Learn - The Repetition of Human Error

By Lauro Amezcua-Patino, MD, FAPA and Vincent Perez-Mazzola

Life is about learning, and learning can be done in different ways. The point is to glean information and experience so that we do not repeat things that are harmful to us and continue to do things that benefit us.

It is inherent. It is a survival mechanism that all living creatures possess. So why then, are we humans so bad at it?? A badger, once it gets pricked in the nose by a porcupine, does not tend to repeat this behavior over and over. Humans, however, often do.

If one thing can be said about us as a species, is that we seem resistant to learning in this basic way – by our mistakes. Despite our collective advancements in knowledge, technology, and social organization, humanity seems to be caught in a cycle of blunders that echo across generations. From personal missteps to systemic failures on a global scale, the question arises: Why do humans continually make the same mistakes repeatedly??

As the 2024 election fast approaches, we certainly seem to be repeating a grave mistake. The fact that an older, possibly too old, statesman and a pathological reality TV star are the two best candidates we can field speaks volumes. We are literally going to repeat what we did in 2020. Hopefully with the same results, but serious damage is bound to be done to purr political system and our society. We seem once again to be playing in front of the wood chipper.? I mean, are we just that stupid, or is it something else?

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Psychological Factors:

At the core of our repetitive errors lie deep-seated psychological tendencies that influence our decision-making processes. One such factor is cognitive bias—a systematic deviation from rationality in judgment, often leading us to make decisions based on subjective factors rather than objective evidence. Psychological factors are fundamental in understanding why humans continually make the same mistakes repeatedly. These factors delve into the intricate workings of the human mind, shedding light on the biases, heuristics, and cognitive mechanisms that shape our decision-making processes.

Confirmation bias stands out as one of the most pervasive psychological factors contributing to repeated mistakes. This bias predisposes individuals to seek out information that confirms their preexisting beliefs or hypotheses while disregarding contradictory evidence. In doing so, confirmation bias creates an echo chamber effect, reinforcing existing viewpoints and inhibiting the consideration of alternative perspectives or counterarguments. Consequently, individuals may overlook crucial information or fail to critically evaluate their assumptions, leading to the perpetuation of errors.

Similarly, overconfidence bias plays a significant role in the repetition of mistakes by leading individuals to overestimate their own abilities or the accuracy of their judgments. This bias manifests as an unwarranted confidence in one's knowledge, skills, or predictive capabilities, often resulting in overly optimistic assessments of risk or the likelihood of success. Consequently, individuals may embark on ventures or make decisions without fully appreciating the potential pitfalls or uncertainties involved, increasing the likelihood of failure or adverse outcomes.

Anchoring bias influences decision-making by causing individuals to rely disproportionately on initial information or reference points when making judgments or estimates. This bias occurs when individuals anchor their subsequent assessments or evaluations to an initial piece of information, even if it is irrelevant or misleading. Consequently, individuals may be misled by arbitrary or irrelevant information, leading to suboptimal decisions or flawed reasoning.

Availability bias can contribute to the repetition of mistakes by skewing perceptions of risk or probability based on the ease with which relevant examples or instances come to mind. This bias occurs when individuals rely on readily available information or vivid examples when assessing the likelihood or consequences of an event, rather than considering the full range of relevant factors. As a result, individuals may overestimate the likelihood of rare or dramatic events while underestimating the probability of more common occurrences, leading to errors in judgment or decision-making.

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Cultural and Societal Influences:

Beyond individual psychology, societal and cultural factors play a significant role in perpetuating patterns of error. Cultural norms, traditions, and social structures shape our perceptions and behaviors, often creating entrenched systems that resist change and innovation. In societies where conformity is valued over critical thinking, dissenting voices may be silenced, stifling alternative perspectives, and perpetuating the status quo—even when it leads to repeated mistakes.

Cultural and societal influences play a significant role in perpetuating the cycle of repeated mistakes, shaping our collective attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making processes. These influences encompass a wide range of factors, including cultural norms, traditions, social structures, and institutional frameworks, all of which contribute to the formation of group identities and the perpetuation of established patterns of thought and behavior.

Cultural norms and traditions serve as the foundation upon which societies are built, providing a set of shared values, beliefs, and practices that guide individual and collective behavior. While these norms can foster social cohesion and stability, they can also act as barriers to change, perpetuating outdated practices and inhibiting innovation and progress. For example, cultures that prioritize conformity and tradition may be less inclined to question established norms or consider alternative perspectives, leading to a perpetuation of mistakes and missed opportunities for growth.

Social structures and institutional frameworks shape the distribution of power, resources, and opportunities within society, influencing individuals' access to education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services. In societies characterized by inequality and injustice, systemic barriers can prevent marginalized groups from fully participating in decision-making processes and contributing to the development of solutions to shared challenges. This can perpetuate cycles of poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion, exacerbating the repetition of mistakes and hindering efforts to achieve sustainable development and social progress.

?Cultural and societal influences shape our perceptions of risk, reward, and responsibility, influencing our attitudes towards change and innovation. In cultures that stigmatize failure or prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability, individuals may be reluctant to take risks or challenge the status quo, fearing social ostracism or personal repercussions. This can lead to a culture of conformity and complacency, where innovative ideas are stifled, and opportunities for learning and growth are missed.

Breaking free from the cycle of repeated mistakes requires a concerted effort to challenge entrenched cultural norms, dismantle systemic barriers, and foster a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and resilience. This entails promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our communities and institutions, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to contribute their unique perspectives and talents to the collective endeavor of building a better future.

The phenomenon of "groupthink" can exacerbate the tendency to repeat errors within communities or organizations. Groupthink occurs when cohesive groups prioritize harmony and consensus over critical evaluation, leading to flawed decision-making processes characterized by a lack of dissenting opinions and a failure to consider alternative courses of action.

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Historical Amnesia:

Another factor contributing to the repetition of mistakes is what historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr. termed "the cyclical rhythm of history." Despite the lessons of the past, societies often succumb to what can be described as "historical amnesia," forgetting or ignoring the consequences of previous errors. This collective forgetfulness allows for the resurgence of ideologies, policies, and behaviors that have led to calamity in the past, perpetuating a cycle of repetition.

One of the primary contributors to historical amnesia is the construction of dominant narratives that shape our understanding of the past. These narratives often prioritize certain perspectives while marginalizing or erasing others, resulting in a distorted and incomplete portrayal of historical events. For example, colonial histories may glorify the exploits of conquerors while downplaying the experiences of indigenous peoples, leading to a whitewashed version of the past that obscures the realities of colonial violence and exploitation.

Political agendas and ideological biases can further reinforce historical amnesia by shaping the way history is taught, remembered, and commemorated. Governments may promote nationalistic narratives that emphasize triumphs and downplay atrocities, while dissenting voices and marginalized perspectives are silenced or suppressed. This selective memory serves to bolster the legitimacy of existing power structures and perpetuate the status quo, even at the expense of historical accuracy and truth.

Societal pressures and cultural norms also play a role in perpetuating historical amnesia by discouraging critical inquiry and dissent. In societies where conformity is valued over individual autonomy, questioning official narratives, or challenging established interpretations of history may be met with skepticism, ostracism, or even punishment. This stifling of alternative perspectives and dissenting voices serves to reinforce dominant narratives and perpetuate the cycle of historical amnesia.

Breaking free from the grip of historical amnesia requires a concerted effort to confront and challenge dominant narratives, amplify marginalized voices, and promote historical literacy and awareness. This entails acknowledging the complexities of the past, including the experiences of those who have been marginalized or excluded from traditional historical accounts. By fostering a culture of critical inquiry, empathy, and dialogue, we can begin to unravel the layers of historical amnesia that obscure our understanding of the past and perpetuate the repetition of mistakes.

Sadly, the acceleration of technological and societal change in the modern era can exacerbate historical amnesia, as new generations may lack the contextual understanding of past events necessary to learn from them. In an age of information overload, selective memory and revisionist narratives can distort historical truths, making it easier for societies to repeat the mistakes of their predecessors.

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Resistance to Change:

Finally, humans often resist change, even when existing practices are flawed. Fear of the unknown, inertia, and vested interests can all contribute to a reluctance to deviate from familiar paths, perpetuating patterns of error despite their detrimental effects. Whether it be in the realm of politics, economics, or personal relationships, the comfort of the status quo often outweighs the perceived risks of change, leading to a perpetuation of mistakes over time.

Fear of the unknown is a natural human instinct that often leads individuals to cling to familiar routines and patterns, even when they may no longer be effective or beneficial. The uncertainty and ambiguity associated with change can trigger anxiety and apprehension, prompting individuals to resist taking the necessary steps to adapt and evolve.

Moreover, inertia—the tendency to maintain the status quo—can be a powerful force that impedes progress and innovation. Whether due to complacency, habit, or a reluctance to disrupt established norms, inertia can prevent individuals and organizations from embracing new ideas and approaches, thereby perpetuating the repetition of past mistakes.

Vested interests play a significant role in fueling resistance to change. Those who stand to lose power, privilege, or resources because of proposed changes often have a vested interest in maintaining the existing order, even if it is flawed or unsustainable. This can lead to entrenched opposition and obstructionism, making it difficult to enact meaningful reforms or address systemic issues.

Cognitive dissonance—the psychological discomfort that arises from holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes—can reinforce resistance to change. When confronted with evidence that challenges deeply held beliefs or identities, individuals may experience cognitive dissonance and resort to defensive mechanisms, such as denial or rationalization, to protect their sense of self and preserve the status quo.

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Breaking the Cycle:

While the repetition of mistakes may seem inherent to the human condition, it is not inevitable. By acknowledging and understanding the psychological, cultural, and historical factors that contribute to our propensity for error, we can strive to break free from the cycle of repetition. Embracing critical thinking, fostering diversity of perspectives, and learning from the lessons of history are essential steps towards mitigating the recurrence of past mistakes and charting a course towards a more enlightened future.

Breaking the cycle of repeated mistakes requires a concerted effort across multiple fronts, encompassing individual introspection, collective action, and systemic reform. At the individual level, cultivating self-awareness and mindfulness can help us recognize and mitigate the influence of cognitive biases on our decision-making processes. By regularly questioning our assumptions, seeking out diverse perspectives, and remaining open to feedback, we can enhance our ability to make informed and rational choices, thereby breaking free from the constraints of ingrained patterns of thought and behavior.

Simultaneously, fostering a culture of critical thinking and intellectual humility within our communities and institutions is paramount. Encouraging constructive dialogue, respectful debate, and the free exchange of ideas can foster an environment where dissenting voices are valued rather than marginalized, thereby mitigating the risks of groupthink, and promoting more robust decision-making processes.

Addressing the root causes of historical amnesia requires a commitment to preserving and amplifying diverse narratives and perspectives. This entails challenging dominant narratives, acknowledging historical injustices, and ensuring that marginalized voices are given a platform to share their stories. Through education, advocacy, and the promotion of historical literacy, we can empower individuals and communities to confront the complexities of the past with honesty and integrity, thereby breaking the cycle of ignorance and misinformation that perpetuates the repetition of mistakes.

Overcoming resistance to change necessitates a multifaceted approach that encompasses policy reform, institutional innovation, and grassroots activism. By advocating for structural reforms that address systemic inequalities and promote greater transparency, accountability, and democratic participation, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where all voices are heard and valued. Moreover, fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation within our organizations and institutions can help us adapt to changing circumstances and embrace new opportunities for growth and development.

Breaking the cycle of repeated mistakes requires a holistic approach that addresses the underlying psychological, cultural, and systemic factors that contribute to our propensity for error. By fostering a culture of critical thinking, historical literacy, and innovation, we can transcend the limitations of the past and chart a course towards a future defined by progress, resilience, and collective flourishing.

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Final Thoughts:

The phenomenon of humans continually making the same mistakes repeatedly is a multifaceted issue rooted in deep-seated psychological tendencies, cultural influences, historical amnesia, and resistance to change. While these factors may seem insurmountable, they also present opportunities for growth, learning, and transformation.

Recognizing the role of cognitive biases and societal norms in shaping our decisions empowers us to challenge ingrained patterns of thought and behavior. By fostering environments that encourage critical thinking, diversity of perspectives, and constructive dissent, we can mitigate the impact of groupthink and confirmation bias, paving the way for more informed and rational decision-making processes.

Confronting historical amnesia requires a concerted effort to preserve and disseminate accurate accounts of the past, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the knowledge and understanding necessary to learn from previous mistakes. Through education, dialogue, and the promotion of historical literacy, we can break free from the cycle of repetition and forge a more enlightened path forward.

Addressing resistance to change necessitates a willingness to embrace uncertainty and adapt to evolving circumstances. By fostering a culture of innovation, experimentation, and resilience, we can navigate the complexities of an ever-changing world with confidence and courage. Humans are still not very evolved. It was not long ago that we walked out of the savanna and spread across the globe. Our technology has far outpaced our morality and our abilities to think. One day we may catch up, but until then we may be doomed to constantly repeat mistakes and missteps such as possibly re-electing a person whom historians have already placed as one of the worst Presidents in US history – Donald Trump – until that time.

Ultimately, while the repetition of mistakes may be a persistent feature of the human experience, it is not an inevitability. By harnessing our collective wisdom, empathy, and creativity, we can transcend the limitations of the past and forge a future defined by progress, compassion, and collective flourishing. In doing so, we honor the lessons of history and chart a course towards a brighter and more resilient tomorrow. As the 2024 election draws near, we will need to listen to our hearts, not the media or polls or pundits or candidates, and vote our conscience.?