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> the fact that half the population hold opinions that they would not change, given any amount of evidence, is actually somewhat terrifying

What would change your mind on this?

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If you want a serious answer to "What would it take to not be terrified of this fact?", I suppose it would be: Evidence indicating that populations are better served by ignoring reasoning and obtaining their beliefs through some other means, be it faith or authority.

In fairness, that opinion is not unprecedented in history.

New data suggesting that a larger percentage would be willing to change their mind given reasonable evidence?

I know you're trying to be snarky, but come on.

Changing one's mind about that would mean to no longer find that terrifying, not it no longer being being the case.

I think this is actually a reasonable point- there are nuances for which there is no imagined amount of evidence to sway some opinions. For example, I highly doubt many scientific studies that suggested benefits to high amounts of lack of response to scientific studies on opinion in the population is a good thing would actually make you less terrified.

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