Actively seek out change

Seek out disconfirming evidence. Challenge the status quo. Have strong opinions, but hold them loosely. Avoid becoming a prisoner of your own expertise.

When you know it’s likely you’ll be wrong over time, you’re less likely to attach your identity to a fixed position.

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MORE IDEAS ON THIS

The purpose of conversations

Conversations are supposed to generate new ideas, not to turn into heated arguments.

But that will most likely be the result when we discuss anything that’s central to our identity.

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Do the work required

Rather than be opinionated, we should strive to be informed.

We should know the other side’s argument better than they know theirs. Instead of attacking a straw man, aim to knock down the strongest version of an argument you disagree with.

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“When experts are wrong, it’s often because they’re experts on an earlier version of the world.”

PAUL GRAHAM

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“I never allow myself to have an opinion on anything that I don’t know the other side’s argument better than they do.”

CHARLIE MUNGER

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Identities and core beliefs

We build our lives around certain core beliefs. And discussing them will most likely yield anger and indignation (i.e discussing religion or politics).

We usually fail to adjust to the evidence put before us regarding these beliefs. Because to have them torn down would be to admit th...

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Diversify into multiple domains

The best way to keep your identity small is to enter multiple domains.

Diversifying means that you won’t commit and defend a position simply because it’s so tied to your identity. It stops you from attaching a label to yourself.

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CURATED FROM