Don't judge an argument by its conclusion

I’ve talked mostly about noticing the desire not to understand by noticing the threat of pain — how much it would hurt to believe x.

Judging an argument by its conclusion is a less emotional, more mental sign of the desire not to understand.

It’s self-evidently absurd — how can you judge a conclusion before you have understood the argument?

Once you phrase it like that, it’s obvious — yet, it’s basically the default move.

If you’re an epiphany addict like me, seek out some conclusions that seem outrageous, and do a deep dive on the arguments in their favor. (be safe though, stay away from occult/demonic/obviously literally evil stuff)

There are some great arguments out there for outrageous conclusions like these —

• Psychic powers are real

• Hitler faked his death

• The earth is hollow

• Human civilization was once more advanced than ours is today

• Elon Musk created Bitcoin

Not necessarily endorsements. Just saying — get dirty, have some fun!

Happy Friday.

—Mike