The Scout Mindset: A Journey Away from Wishful Thinking and Towards Truth

As I sit down to write this article, I am reminded of my own experiences with the tendency to dismiss opposing views with a snappy remark or two. 'Correlation doesn't equal causation,' I'd say, or 'it seems like you're projecting.' These phrases, while meant to sound intelligent and objective, often masked my own biases and unwillingness to listen.

The concept of the 'golden mean' – Aristotle's idea of finding a balance between two extremes – is one that resonates with many. In fact, it's an approach that Julia Galef explores in her book, The Scout Mindset. But what if this notion of balance isn't as simple as it seems? What if, instead, our beliefs exist on a more complex continuum, where the far left and far right ends are closer than we think?

The current pandemic has made it clear to me that even those who claim to be rational can sometimes sound like they're coming from different worlds. I've seen Marxists adopting language and tactics reminiscent of Q-Anon supporters, and vice versa. This phenomenon has led me to reevaluate my understanding of political beliefs, which I once saw as existing on a straightforward left-to-right continuum.

Galef's book offers a fascinating exploration of why our brains deceive us and what we can do to change the way we think. Through real-life examples ranging from survival techniques in the middle of the ocean to the strategies employed by superforecasters and Jeff Bezos, Galef demonstrates that our minds are capable of incredible feats – but only if we're willing to approach them with a scout mindset.

What does it mean to have a scout mindset? According to Galef, it's not about being smarter or more knowledgeable than others; rather, it's about having the emotional skills and habits necessary to arrive at an accurate map of reality. It means setting aside our desire to defend our beliefs and instead seeking out what is true.

This concept is particularly relevant in today's world, where tribalism and wishful thinking are rampant. We often find ourselves drawn to information that confirms our existing beliefs, while dismissing or discrediting opposing viewpoints. Galef argues that this 'soldier mindset' – where we see the world through the lens of our own biases – can lead us astray.

So, how do we cultivate a scout mindset? According to Galef, it's possible for anyone to learn these skills and habits. It requires recognizing our own tendencies towards confirmation bias and actively working to overcome them. By adopting this approach, we can improve our ability to get things right more often – even when the truth is uncomfortable or inconvenient.

In conclusion, Julia Galef's The Scout Mindset offers a compelling exploration of the human tendency towards wishful thinking and the importance of seeking out what is true. By embracing the scout mindset, we can break free from the constraints of our own biases and approach the world with a sense of curiosity and openness – even when it challenges our existing beliefs.

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