Most people prefer to have their own ideas affirmed, not opposed
If you believe great minds think alike then you’ll enjoy this study by researchers at the universities of Illinois and Florida: when given the chance to hear or see an opinion that is similar or different to their own, 67 per cent of people choose the similar one. The topics that get people most close-minded include politics, religion and ethics. Opposing views are more palatable to people when they can be used to their own benefit—to improve enhance their own argument, perhaps?