VIIICognitive Bias

False Consensus Effect

Your bias is False Consensus Effect. Overestimating how widely your views are shared.

Why This Bias Happens

We use ourselves as the easiest model of a person, then project that model outward. Familiar social circles reinforce the illusion.

Example 1

Epictetus warns against assuming your judgments are universal law. A disciplined mind separates “my view” from “reality itself.”

Example 2

Classic studies found people predict that others will make the same choices they make, and then treat dissent as abnormal.

Further Reading

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