alt Hacker News> At that age, I didn’t yet understand why some people are incapable of changing their point of view. To be honest, I still don’t fully understand how ideology can cloud the mind so thoroughly that only a single way of thinking remains possible.
Are you describing Erich von Däniken's inability to change his mind when evidence clearly contradicted his theories?
Replies
> Are you describing Erich von Däniken's inability to change his mind when evidence clearly contradicted his theories?
He wasn't that unwavering. About the iron pillar of Delhi he said in his first book that it doesn't rust and thought this being a proof for alien interference. Later he turned around and said "By now this damn thing is rusting!".
But he never changed his opinion on his basic premise. I guess it's easy to not change your theory if it can't actually be disproved. There are so many unknowns and gaps in history that you have enough space to fit a few ancient aliens in there.
> Are you describing Erich von Däniken's inability to change his mind when evidence clearly contradicted his theories?
Roughly 80% of the planet has an inability to change their mind regarding their religious beliefs.
In reality, there is more evidence of ancient aliens that there is of almost every other religion, and yet the people who follow religion aren't being vilified the way the ancient alien believers are.
I mean, look at your own question - do you routinely ask people (IRL and online) why they can't change their religion based on evidence?
“Evidence” is often in time overruled by new knowledge and evidence.
Was it inability or simply calculation? He made a livelihood out of making up stories about ancient aliens. He was financially motivated to keep telling his stories.