Season 2 · Episode 1714
S2 Ep1714: PASSION STRUCK John R. Miles: Steven Sloman on The Cost of Conviction: Deepest Values, Taboo Tradeoffs and Better Thinking
Radio St. Pete Podcast Archive · Radio St. Pete
February 12, 202653m 34s
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Show Notes
The Cost of Conviction: Deepest Values, Taboo Tradeoffs and Better Thinking
(2/16/2026) We like to believe we make decisions by weighing evidence, considering outcomes, and thinking things through. But in reality, most of our choices are guided by something far more powerful and far less examined: our sacred values.
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles interviews Steven Sloman, one of the world’s leading cognitive scientists and the author of The Cost of Conviction, to explore how our deepest moral commitments shape the way we think, argue, vote, and lead. Steven explains why relying too heavily on sacred values can quietly override consequences, shut down reasoning, and fuel the kind of polarization we see everywhere today. Drawing on decades of research in decision-making, psychology, and collective cognition, this conversation challenges the assumption that moral certainty equates with moral clarity. Instead, Steven shows how humility, tradeoff thinking, and shared reasoning are essential if we want better decisions and a less divided society.
Our Deeply Held Sacred Values, and How Decisions Really Get Made
Steven Sloman introduces a powerful distinction between two ways humans make decisions. One approach focuses on consequences and outcomes. The other relies on moral absolutes that frame actions as simply right or wrong. While both are necessary, problems arise when these deepest values dominate situations that require nuance, tradeoffs, and long-term thinking. When these deepest values take over, decision-making feels easier and more emotionally satisfying. But that ease often comes at the cost of understanding, empathy, and flexibility. This is where good intentions can quietly lead us astray.
Taboo Tradeoffs and Why Moral Absolutes Break Down
One of the most striking parts of this conversation is Steven’s explanation of taboo tradeoffs. These occur when people refuse to exchange moral convictions for any material or practical benefit, even when circumstances demand difficult choices.
Steven also introduces tragic tradeoffs, moments when two deepest values collide, and no option preserves moral purity. These moments reveal why absolute thinking struggles in a complex world and why mature decision making requires accepting loss, ambiguity, and responsibility.
ABOUT PASSION STRUCK In Passion Struck, John R. Miles—award-winning author, globally recognized podcast host, and former Fortune 50 executive—delivers a science-backed framework to help you focus, time, and energy; align your actions with what truly matters; Lead with clarity—whether at work, at home, or in your community. From shaping cultures and teams to deepening relationships and personal growth, Passion Struck reveals how to design a life of purpose and impact. Want to learn the 12 philosophies that the most successful people use to create a limitless life? Order John R. Miles’s new book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.
Learn more about Passion Struck - the book, audiobook and podcast!
👉His newest book for children, "You Matter, Luna," is available now.
👉More Passion Struck podcasts on our station here.
Explore More: The Ignited Life Newsletter If today’s episode sparked something in you, you’ll love The Ignited Life—our free Substack newsletter created to fuel your growth between episodes. Each edition delivers:
Fresh insights on intentional living, resilience, and emotional mastery
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles interviews Steven Sloman, one of the world’s leading cognitive scientists and the author of The Cost of Conviction, to explore how our deepest moral commitments shape the way we think, argue, vote, and lead. Steven explains why relying too heavily on sacred values can quietly override consequences, shut down reasoning, and fuel the kind of polarization we see everywhere today. Drawing on decades of research in decision-making, psychology, and collective cognition, this conversation challenges the assumption that moral certainty equates with moral clarity. Instead, Steven shows how humility, tradeoff thinking, and shared reasoning are essential if we want better decisions and a less divided society.
Our Deeply Held Sacred Values, and How Decisions Really Get Made
Steven Sloman introduces a powerful distinction between two ways humans make decisions. One approach focuses on consequences and outcomes. The other relies on moral absolutes that frame actions as simply right or wrong. While both are necessary, problems arise when these deepest values dominate situations that require nuance, tradeoffs, and long-term thinking. When these deepest values take over, decision-making feels easier and more emotionally satisfying. But that ease often comes at the cost of understanding, empathy, and flexibility. This is where good intentions can quietly lead us astray.
Taboo Tradeoffs and Why Moral Absolutes Break Down
One of the most striking parts of this conversation is Steven’s explanation of taboo tradeoffs. These occur when people refuse to exchange moral convictions for any material or practical benefit, even when circumstances demand difficult choices.
Steven also introduces tragic tradeoffs, moments when two deepest values collide, and no option preserves moral purity. These moments reveal why absolute thinking struggles in a complex world and why mature decision making requires accepting loss, ambiguity, and responsibility.
ABOUT PASSION STRUCK In Passion Struck, John R. Miles—award-winning author, globally recognized podcast host, and former Fortune 50 executive—delivers a science-backed framework to help you focus, time, and energy; align your actions with what truly matters; Lead with clarity—whether at work, at home, or in your community. From shaping cultures and teams to deepening relationships and personal growth, Passion Struck reveals how to design a life of purpose and impact. Want to learn the 12 philosophies that the most successful people use to create a limitless life? Order John R. Miles’s new book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.
Learn more about Passion Struck - the book, audiobook and podcast!
👉His newest book for children, "You Matter, Luna," is available now.
👉More Passion Struck podcasts on our station here.
Explore More: The Ignited Life Newsletter If today’s episode sparked something in you, you’ll love The Ignited Life—our free Substack newsletter created to fuel your growth between episodes. Each edition delivers:
Fresh insights on intentional living, resilience, and emotional mastery
- Practical tools like the L.E.N.S. method and micro-habits to ignite change
- Behind-the-scenes reflections from Passion Struck episodes
- Guest wisdom distilled into real-life applications
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