A Rabbit in the Clouds

Why do we see meaning where there is only chaos?

From the ancient myths that shaped civilizations to the modern conspiracy theories flooding our social media feeds, the human urge to believe is one of our most powerful and least understood traits. In "A Rabbit in the Clouds," psychologist Daniel Chabot takes you on a fascinating journey into the hidden architecture of the human mind to reveal why we are so prone to irrational beliefs, pseudosciences, and "fake news".

Drawing on decades of research in cognitive psychology and neuroscience, Chabot explains the "illusory pattern perception" that makes us see rabbits in the clouds and patterns in random events. Through a rigorous yet accessible lens, this book explores:

• The Making of Beliefs: How our "System 1" intuitive brain prioritizes survival over truth, creating mental shortcuts that lead to profound distortions of reality.
• The Social Engine: Why crises like the COVID-19 pandemic trigger a surge in conspiratorial thinking and how the need for cognitive closure drives us toward "ready-made" explanations.
• Personality and Commitment: The traits that make certain individuals more vulnerable to radicalization and the "escalation of commitment" that turns harmless beliefs into belligerent fundamentalism.
• The Scientific Antidote: Practical tools and strategies to develop a scientific mindset, enabling you to decode information, identify cognitive biases, and navigate a world of misinformation with clarity.

Whether you are curious about the psychology of religion, the mechanics of propaganda, or simply want to sharpen your own critical thinking, "A Rabbit in the Clouds" offers an essential guide to understanding the complex web of interdependent factors that shape what we believe and why we believe it.