Welcome to another instalment of my railing against the prevailing ideology, directed into the void.

Sometimes, it can feel like I'm complaining about strawmen. Yet, reminders to the contrary are everywhere: a trove of articles, posts, podcasts, videos, and more, all championing the status quo, or even more concerning viewpoints, fills the internet. These proponents are not products of imagination; they are all too real.

Navigating discussions about global issues, personal challenges, helping others achieve more with their lives, and everything in between can be challenging. Finding the delicate balance between confidence and arrogance is difficult — not enough conviction and no one will listen, but too much, and they won’t listen. (Isn’t there some saying about taking a horse to water, though?)

Given my advocacy for educating oneself and others, I’m likely reaching an audience that includes individuals sharing sentiments similar to mine. With that in mind, I offer some personal reflections and encouragement to ensure we neither hold ourselves back nor give up.

Harness that self-doubt for good

I often find myself shifting between confidence and self-doubt. There are moments when I am completely certain of my thoughts and actions, yet at other times, I worry about potential errors in my perspectives and the impact they may have on those who engage with my ideas. Intrusive thoughts like "You should stop writing; you have no idea what you’re talking about" or "This issue is entirely your imagination — get over it" occasionally cross my mind.

Yet, it's worth acknowledging that some degree of self-doubt plays a crucial role in our continuous self-critique and pursuit of knowledge. It prevents us from becoming overly confident, allowing us to remain open to our own imperfections and the possibility of being wrong. This self-doubt often fuels our drive for improvement and deeper understanding. However, it is essential to strike a balance; a complete absence of self-doubt can hinder growth by making us resistant to conflicting ideas and perspectives.

There is also a source of pride in persisting and searching for answers. Embracing humility allows us to learn from our missteps and strive for better outcomes in the future. This perspective acknowledges that truth isn't a fixed endpoint but a journey. Our understanding of any concept is subject to refinement and revision as new information emerges.

The vast expanse of the unknown suggests that there are realms beyond human comprehension. However, each new revelation, whether it delves into the intricacies of physics or sheds light on our individual paths, brings us closer to a more encompassing awareness. While the prospect of attaining absolute understanding may elude us, it's important to recognise that this does not negate the value of progress. Indeed, every step forward enriches our perspective and contributes to our growth.

The significant distinction lies in attitude. Some people view their current ideas as the ultimate solutions, often overlooking the essence of potential fallibility. In contrast, adopting a mindset that acknowledges the potential for error fosters an environment where improvement is continuous rather than a mere shift from one "final" answer to another.

Moreover, embracing this mindset is liberating. It allows us to engage with new ideas and perspectives without the fear of being proven wrong. This openness to change and adaptation is crucial for personal and intellectual growth. It encourages us to question our assumptions, explore new possibilities, and accept that our understanding of the world is constantly evolving.

We learnt it all wrong to begin with

Part of the issue we’re examining here stems from the way we have been educated and taught to learn. The current education system is primarily geared towards results and outcomes, often neglecting the importance of deep knowledge and genuine understanding. This approach has led students to focus solely on the end goal of passing tests or achieving high scores, rather than developing a true passion for learning and a desire to acquire knowledge. Unfortunately, teachers often follow suit, concentrating on the specific criteria needed to ensure their students pass exams, rather than fostering a deeper understanding of the material.

A common observation is that if we do not use our knowledge of a particular topic for a prolonged period, the details may become fuzzy or forgotten altogether. However, this loss can be mitigated if we have a strong grasp of the fundamentals and underlying logic of the subject matter. Sadly, the current education system and many learning apps do not prioritise the development of these crucial skills. Instead, they focus primarily on completion and short-term achievements. As a result, learners often struggle to retain and apply their knowledge effectively in the long term.

This emphasis on immediate results over long-term learning stunts our potential and undermines the true purpose of education, which should be about fostering a lifelong love of learning and a deep, enduring understanding of the world.

We must rethink our approach to teaching. This means encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of knowledge in various contexts. We need to be more discerning about the educational tools and apps we use. Many of these platforms are designed to gamify learning, offering short-term rewards that can overshadow the goal of long-term intellectual growth. While gamification can make learning more engaging, it often leads to superficial understanding and quick forgetting once the immediate goal is achieved. Instead, we should seek out or develop tools that emphasise mastery and deep comprehension, helping learners build a robust foundation that they can build upon over time.

Reforming our educational approach requires a shift from teaching to the test towards teaching for comprehension and intellectual curiosity. Teachers should be encouraged and supported in developing lesson plans that go beyond the curriculum's minimum requirements instead of being bogged down by it, and integrating activities that stimulate critical thinking and real-world application.

Students should be encouraged to take ownership of their learning. This involves promoting intrinsic motivation by showing them the value of knowledge beyond grades and scores. When students understand the relevance of what they are learning to their lives and future aspirations, they are more likely to engage deeply with the material.

Education should not just be about accumulating information, but about transforming that information into wisdom. This transformation requires time, patience, and a willingness to engage with complex ideas without the pressure of immediate results.

Remember what’s important

Maintaining focus on our purpose and goals is essential for achieving meaningful accomplishments across all aspects of life. By concentrating on my primary purpose, I find peace of mind knowing that I am doing my best, which helps me continue sharing my thoughts with the world.

For example, writing for this blog serves as a versatile tool for refining and organising my ideas. The process of articulating my thoughts helps me gain a clearer understanding of complex concepts, connect seemingly disparate threads, and discard ideas that fail to withstand scrutiny. Moreover, having an audience that genuinely appreciates and benefits from my insights motivates me to continue sharing. This dual purpose — personal growth and contributing to others — underscores the value of my writing, allowing my thoughts to extend beyond the personal and offer insights that resonate with others.

When I embark on writing for this website, I remain anchored in the overarching purpose I aim to fulfil with each piece. For example, if my objective centres around a specific aspect of political economy, I ensure that every point aligns with this guiding principle. This involves some initial planning: outlining the main topic and, as the writing unfolds, filling in the details to keep the narrative on track and true to its intended purpose. If tangential thoughts arise, I briefly note them elsewhere for future consideration, preventing them from diverting my central focus.

In our world filled with abundant information, opinions, and stimuli, external influences can challenge our ability to stay focused on what’s relevant. This is true across various fields, from writing to software development. For instance, in technology, the rapid evolution of trends requires a discerning approach. Amidst the allure of innovative features and functionalities, it’s crucial to differentiate between integrating elements that harmonise with the app’s core purpose and adding trendy but unnecessary features.

Focusing on my main purpose not only helps streamline my work but also enhances the quality of my output. In writing, this means that each piece I produce is cohesive and purposeful, offering clear insights. In technology, it ensures that each development project remains true to its core objectives, delivering functionality that truly benefits the user.

By keeping my main purpose in sight, I reduce my worries over whether what I’m doing is good enough or right. Moreover, maintaining this focus cultivates resilience. In the face of challenges or setbacks, being anchored in a clear purpose provides the motivation and clarity needed to persevere. It helps me navigate obstacles with a sense of direction, knowing that each step, no matter how small, contributes to a larger, meaningful objective.

Outliers are outliers

One of the thought patterns that emerges from the individualistic ideology prevalent in Western cultures is a preoccupation with outlier cases when discussing abstract concepts. This tendency stems from an acute awareness that a small minority — perhaps 1-5% — might deviate from the norm, leading to a fear of "generalising." This fear is often rooted in the belief that by acknowledging exceptions, we can safeguard ourselves from appearing ignorant or insensitive if proven wrong. Consequently, this behaviour drives us to compartmentalise our understanding, which in turn limits our capacity to fully grasp the complexities of the world. To address this issue, we must shift our focus from hyper-analysing edge cases and instead consider the broader context.

Moreover, this obsession with edge cases can hinder meaningful discourse and action. When discussions are bogged down by a focus on exceptions, it becomes challenging to identify and address the root causes of problems. For instance, in debates about social issues, an overemphasis on individual stories that deviate from the norm can obscure the structural factors at play. This narrow focus can prevent us from seeing the larger picture and from developing comprehensive solutions that address the needs of the majority while still considering the minority.

Additionally, the fear of generalising can stifle creativity and innovation. In an environment where every statement is scrutinised for potential exceptions, people may become hesitant to propose bold ideas or solutions. This cautious approach can lead to stagnation, as individuals may avoid taking risks that could lead to significant breakthroughs. By shifting our perspective to consider broader patterns and trends, we can create a more conducive environment for innovation and progress.

Furthermore, this mindset can impact our personal relationships and interactions. When we are constantly on guard against making generalisations, we may struggle to form genuine connections with others. This hyper-vigilance can create a barrier to open and honest communication, as we may fear being misunderstood or judged. By recognising that generalisations are not inherently negative and that they can serve as useful tools for understanding the world, we can foster more meaningful and authentic interactions.

To move beyond this limiting thought pattern, we must cultivate a mindset that balances an awareness of exceptions with an understanding of broader trends. This requires us to develop critical thinking skills and to approach issues with a nuanced perspective. By acknowledging the existence of outliers while also considering the larger context, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world and be better equipped to address its complexities.

Discard expected perfection

At times, our manner of speaking or the content of our speech may not be well-received by others, hence my call to write this post in the first place. We may unintentionally come across as aggressive or overly confident, leading others to perceive us as arrogant, pretentious, or a know-it-all. Additionally, we might worry about whether our words have caused harm to anyone. This concern is valid but often exaggerated.

People frequently get too caught up in how things are phrased. While it’s important to communicate respectfully and avoid name-calling, we shouldn't lose sleep over someone feeling condescended simply because we explained something to them or spoke in a certain tone. The reality is that communication is a two-way street, and misunderstandings or hurt feelings can and will arise despite our best intentions.

It’s not about dismissing others' feelings or suggesting that they should just “get over it.” Sharing knowledge, especially complex or nuanced concepts, inherently involves vulnerability. When we attempt to explain something, particularly if it’s complicated or complex, there’s always a risk that our words will be misinterpreted or that our tone will be perceived negatively. However, we need to recognise that someone’s defensiveness or discomfort often says more about them than it does about us. People can be difficult or defensive for a variety of reasons, and their reaction to our words might be more about their own insecurities or resistance to new information than about our delivery.

In good news, this issue is less likely to occur with people close to us who understand our intentions and communication style. However, when addressing broader audiences, we need to develop resilience against such reactions. This resilience involves understanding that not everyone will receive our message as intended and that it's okay. We must focus on the content and purpose of our communication rather than getting bogged down by every negative response.

This resilience in communication is important, and we must learn to navigate these social dynamics without compromising our ability to convey important information. This means accepting that misunderstandings will happen and that we can't control how everyone reacts to our words. Instead, we can strive to communicate as clearly and respectfully as possible, while also preparing ourselves for the inevitable criticisms and misunderstandings that may arise.

Building this resilience involves a few key practices. First, practice self-reflection to ensure that our communication is as clear and respectful as possible. This doesn't mean watering down our message but rather being mindful of how we present it. Second, come to terms with the fact that not everyone will appreciate or agree with what we have to say, and that’s okay. Constructive criticism can be valuable, but we must learn to distinguish it from unproductive negativity. Finally, foster empathy. Understand that people's reactions are often shaped by their own experiences and biases. This understanding can help us respond with compassion rather than defensiveness of our own.

There’s nothing wrong with being wrong

Many people experience fear or anxiety at the prospect of being wrong. This is a significant issue that hinders personal growth and development. Regardless of the underlying reasons, we need to accept that we cannot always be correct. We need to release the compulsion always to say the right things and instead cultivate an openness to speak freely and accept the feedback we receive. Although challenging, embracing this mindset is vital for achieving meaningful progress in life.

The learning process inherently involves making mistakes and adapting based on those mistakes. Personal and intellectual growth thrives on the continuous exchange of knowledge through conversation. This exchange demands vulnerability, a willingness to admit when we are wrong, even if we have invested significant time and effort into a particular belief. It frustrates me that this willingness to change one's mind is often seen as dishonest or weak, as if we are expected to be born with all the answers and that changing our minds is a betrayal. Holding onto incorrect beliefs despite evidence to the contrary is, quite frankly, irrational.

I fully acknowledge that I could be wrong about everything. My discussions about the dangers of gamification, the manipulations of marketing, the mechanics of good game design, and strategies to combat exploitation could all be fundamentally flawed or misguided. This possibility is something I consider every time I write or post a new article. The idea that I might lead someone astray with my words is concerning, but this concern does not justify remaining silent or inactive.

The fear of being wrong should not paralyse us. Instead, it should motivate us to continue learning and evolving. When we realise that we have been mistaken, it provides an opportunity to correct our course and move forward with greater accuracy. This willingness to adapt is crucial, not only for our personal development but also for the integrity of the information we share with others.

Embracing the possibility of being wrong means accepting that learning is a lifelong journey. It involves continuous questioning, exploring new perspectives, and revising our understanding as we gain new insights. This approach not only enriches our own knowledge but also fosters a culture of open-mindedness and intellectual humility.

Furthermore, acknowledging our fallibility can strengthen our relationships and interactions with others. When we are open about our mistakes and willing to learn from them, we model a constructive approach to learning and growth. This attitude encourages others to do the same, creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their ideas and learning from each other.

It is time to embrace the reality of being wrong. This acceptance allows us to grow, learn, and ultimately find more accurate answers. It requires courage and humility, but the rewards are immense. By letting go of the fear of making mistakes, we open ourselves to a richer and more meaningful journey of discovery and self-improvement.