1/ I realized something earlier that may be obvious. For a long time in America we tribalized with our values. Different values, different tribes. But over the last 10 years we’ve started to conflate values and beliefs. And now our beliefs are tied to our identities.
2/ And this is really bad! Because while values are pretty static, beliefs should be changeable!
3/ A lot of polarization is because we are losing the ability - at a lizard brain level - to change our minds.
Our brains tell us we’re under threat and all of our friends will leave us if we change our minds on something.
Our brains tell us we’re under threat and all of our friends will leave us if we change our minds on something.
4/ This article basically says that more scientific knowledge *increases* polarization unless you also have scientific curiosity.
blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/w…
blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/w…
5/ This is interesting on its own, but if you invert it, you can draw an unintended conclusion: More curiosity leads to a smaller identity
Small identities are underrated!
paulgraham.com/identity.html
Small identities are underrated!
paulgraham.com/identity.html
6/ Being intellectually flexible these day can confuse people — why are you so willing change your mind on huge things? But if you value curiosity, it’s more important than your beliefs. Don’t be tricked by people who confuse it for being unprincipled
