The Cannon by Natalie Angier

I enjoyed this book quite a bit (LinkHere).  Some of the things it covers are very startling and intellectually stimulating.  For instance the process of thinking.  The scientific method requires a scientist to question everything, his own thought processes, her preconceived notions and prejudices.  The preconceived goals he or she might have for an experiment or study of any kind.  It brought to mind some of the scientists who have recently been overly zealous in validating the issue of global warming.  Unfortunately these people have given much needed ammunition to the global warming nay-sayers.  One year ago at a global warming conference the Russians were in the community of deniers.  Now, after a summer of horrific fires, which even threatened the city of Moscow, Russia has become a believer.  Here in VA where I live we had the hottest June on record.  I'm not sure if any other months in VA this summer set records, but I can attest to it being miserable. 
But the author makes the point of people getting stuck in a train of thought, becoming inflexible and rigid in their thinking.  I think of conservatives in that way, and I'm sure that conservatives categorize liberals in that manner.  Both of my parents are VERY conservative but unhesitatingly would bring up political opinions they knew I would disagree with.  I commented to my Mother once, "I know, your mind's made up and you don't want to be confused with the facts."  She loudly retorted "That's right!" 
I'm not sure if she was being sarcastic or if she really meant it.