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Bill @ MindPrep

MindPrep 155 – Are you dealing with truth or peddling other people’s lies?

Published over 2 years ago • 1 min read

MindPrep 152 dealt with the Illusion of Explanatory Depth (IoED). In essence, you often think that you know a lot about something that’s familiar to you – but your knowledge is not nearly as deep as you feel it is.

The flip side to IoED was presented in MindPrep 153 – the Curse of Knowledge. Here you assume that everyone knows as much as you do about a topic, and you don’t explain “the basics” that are needed to develop a rich understanding.

In MindPrep 154 I suggested that you might use a simple writing exercise to counter both problems. Remember, writing is thinking.

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The real challenge, however, is making sure that your conclusions, decisions, and actions reflect the truth. And it’s not easy in this day and age. Too many people are trying to influence you to agree with them. Their motto seems to be “truth be damned.”

Since I’m not a philosopher, or especially learned, I won’t try and define “truth.” However, I have a few simple suggestions as you consider all the crap that’s trying to get into your head and influence your beliefs.

Face the brutal facts

• You’re a sucker if you need to always be right. You will ignore/discount information that you disagree with. You will stop learning.

• Your circle of competence is smaller than you think. Don’t revert to BS explanations.

• Beware of emotions hijacking your thinking.

• Ideology is a good compass, but a dangerous map. Chart your own path.

• Yes, you are biased, but you can’t see it. Find a friend who’s brutally honest.

• People are trying to deceive you. Even your “tribe.” Trust, but verify.

• Do you want the truth, or do you want to win? The truth can be ugly and may interfere with your desire to win.

Thinking defensively

• Number One Rule: “Ya Gotta Wanna” use the truth. If truth is unimportant, you will be seduced by lies.

• Be skeptical and think critically.

• Know your enemy. Who is actively trying to sway your actions?

• Everyone has an agenda – what is it? This is especially true with social media. Ask “What’s the story here?”

Real literacy encompasses much more than the ability to read and write. We have to think, and I’m worried about our population’s ability to “go deep.” Life in the shallows is too easy. Don’t let others tell you what to think.

Thanks for reading and send a note if you have the time.

Bill

Bill @ MindPrep

Bill Welter

Four careers over 50+ years. USMC, engineering, consulting, education. Past twenty years have focused on helping leaders become and remain relevant during times of change.

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