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The partial solution to this is what _used_ to be called "open-mindedness". But it's not a pattern for "immunity" but in analogue, practices to keep you "fit" and prepared.

I think CGP grey summarized the pattern nicely, and I quote: (timestamped)[0]

"The trick is to keep your identity separate from your opinions - they are objects in a box you carry with you and should be easily replaceable if it turns out they're no good.

If you think that the opinions in the box are who you are then you'll cling to them despite any evidence to the contrary.

Bottom line: If you want to always be right, you need to always be prepared to change your mind"

[0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlsU_YT9n_g&t=72s

I would also add my personal take that you should also presuppose that the person you're talking/listening to will have that attitude. Most people don't, but by merely starting from that point, conversation can have a positive turn when you get a glimpse of why they decided to put that opinion in to their mind-box.



Brecht had a whimsical take on this. There's a German saying that goes "wer A sagt, muss auch B sagen": he who says A, has to say B, meaning of course you should always try and follow through.

Brecht wrote "Wer a sagt, der muß nicht b sagen. Er kann auch erkennen, daß a falsch war": he who says A, doesn't have to say B. He can also realize that A was wrong.

https://beruhmte-zitate.de/zitate/126572-bertolt-brecht-wer-...


I would say that this binding of identity with opinions is the outstanding feature of the "stupidest" and most destructive people I know.


Yep. You nailed it. People will literally kill and torture to preserve their identity.




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