Thread by @real_vijay

1/ At a time when many are being called upon to educate themselves, it would avail us all to reflect on the difference between education and indoctrination.

Education is a descriptive endeavor (describing what is), whereas indoctrination is normative (describing what should be)

2/ The line between education and indoctrination is often blurred to suit the purpose of those doing the "educating".

A subtle shift from describing the world as it is to what needs to change often signals the abandonment of pedagogical intent for an intent to control.

3/ In one of my favorite @paulg essays, he describes the problem with identity encroaching on the pursuit of truth.

When ideological views become entangled in education the ability to discover truth is diminished or destroyed entirely. paulgraham.com/identity.html

4/ In his essay Paul advocates for keeping one's identity small and I agree (if one values the pursuit of truth). Unfortunately, we live in a hyper-partisan world where it is common for many to have an all-consuming idenity.

5/ For those who have been consumed by their identity they will struggle to see the world as it is while forever viewing it through an ideological kaleidoscope.

So how does one keep one's identity small? Avoid politics like it's a contagious disease. Avoid political media.

6/ Stick to age-old maxims that have a very small normative footprint. For instance: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".

7/ Finally, avoid those haranguing you to "educate yourself". A desire for pursuit of truth must always come from within, not without. Anyone who cannot see that cares more for control than truth.