title: The mumpsimus.
abstract: It is an unfortunate side of human nature, on occasion, to stubbornly refuse to change our minds or listen to evidence that challenges our beliefs. In the extreme form, such individuals are called mumpsimuses. This column describes what research has been able to tell us about why individuals continue to escalate their commitments to failing causes and why beliefs are so resistant to change, even in the light of reason. In fact, it is usually best to leave a sleeping mumpsimus lie.
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Chambers
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans