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benjamin-j.bsky.social
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Getting Started

We shouldn’t ask kids what they want to be when they grow up. It encourages them to define themselves in terms of work. Who we become is not a question of career—it’s a matter of character. The highest aspiration is to be a person of generosity, integrity, humility, curiosity, and wisdom.

You're entitled to your own opinions in your head. But if you choose to express them out loud, it's your responsibility to: (1) Ground them in logic and facts (2) Explain your reasoning to others (3) Change them when better evidence emerges

A balanced argument doesn’t weigh two sides equally. It weighs the strongest evidence more heavily. Critical thinking isn't about representing every view. It's about recognizing your biases, and giving serious consideration to facts that contradict your hopes and beliefs.

On major life decisions, the purpose of seeking advice is not to get answers. It’s to gain perspective. No one knows what's best for you. They can only share what makes sense to them. The most important question to ask is not what you should do. It's what you might be missing.

The hallmark of an open mind is refusing to let your ideas become your identity. If you define yourself by your opinions, questioning them is a threat to your integrity. If you see yourself as a curious person or a lifelong learner, changing your mind is a moment of growth.

In toxic cultures, people prove their intelligence by tearing others down. In healthy cultures, people use their intelligence to build others up. Knowledge and expertise are not weapons to wield. They're resources to share.