Normalizing catastrophes and catastrophizing normalcy (with Mike Pesca)

1. Master Your Primitive Mind

Recognize the “primitive mind” (ancient, impulsive software) and “higher mind” (rational, reflective part) as two internal voices. Aim for your higher mind to run the show, allowing the primitive mind to enjoy itself without self-defeating actions, and actively notice when you are losing this internal “tug of war.”

2. Embrace Scientist Thinking

Strive for “scientist” thinking, where you are purely motivated by truth, unattached to your ideas, and welcome debate to expose flaws. Avoid descending to “attorney” or “zealot” thinking, which defends pre-determined conclusions regardless of evidence or refuses to engage with opposing views.

3. Defend Liberalism’s Core Principles

Actively defend the core principles of classic liberalism (free speech, open debate, persuasion, common humanity rhetoric) against “wrecking ball” movements that seek to dismantle them. Prioritize being “pro-house” (pro-liberalism) over specific left-right political alignments when these foundational principles are threatened.

4. Resist Collective Golem Madness

Learn to identify “golem” behavior in groups, characterized by enforced conformity, fear of dissent, and performative virtue signaling. Actively resist participating in such collective madness, which stifles independent thought and can lead to destructive outcomes.

5. Cultivate Genie Collective Wisdom

Foster “genie” behavior in groups by encouraging independent thinking, open debate, and constructive disagreement. Value collaboration where diverse perspectives are welcomed and orthodoxy is challenged, leading to collective wisdom.

6. Find Courage to Speak Out

Find the courage to speak out against “golem” behavior and illiberal tactics, even when it feels risky. Your voice, combined with others, can quickly shift public sentiment and push back against collective madness.

7. Reject Coercion, Indoctrination

Oppose any attempts to suppress ideas through coercion, punishment, or shutting down discussions, rather than engaging in persuasion and debate. Reject indoctrination in education, where a specific political view is presented as the sole correct truth, instead of fostering critical thinking and diverse perspectives.

8. Resist Compelled Speech Demands

Actively resist “compelled speech”—the demand to outwardly proclaim allegiance to a movement or ideology under threat of social or professional repercussions. Recognize this as an illiberal tactic that undermines individual freedom.

9. Beware In-Group Conformity

Be wary of the powerful influence of in-group dynamics, where fear of being “uncool” or ostracized can drive conformity. Actively resist the urge to prioritize in-group status over independent thought, as this can lead to “middle school mode” behavior even in adults.

10. Overcome Social Negativity Fear

Recognize that intense fear of public shaming or criticism stems from an outdated primitive mind response. Understand that this fear can lead to cowardice or conformity, and challenge it by realizing that social negativity in modern society rarely poses an actual physical threat.

11. Identify Identity-Bound Ideas

Be aware that topics tied to your identity or group affiliation activate primitive, emotional brain parts, making you less likely to change your mind. Recognize this tendency to avoid mistaking an attack on an idea for a physical threat.

12. Reject Disgust as Dehumanizer

Be highly suspicious when you encounter or feel disgust towards an entire group of people, as this emotion is a primitive trigger that can lead to dehumanization and morally reprehensible actions. Actively counter this feeling to maintain a broader moral circle.

13. Support Institutional Integrity

Support and encourage institutions (e.g., media, science) to uphold their traditional standards of integrity and trust. Their adherence to these principles is vital for societal wisdom and decision-making.