identity and facts

We're learning more and more of the science behind this idea.    It's hard-wired into us that when you hear something that contradicts a ho-hum belief you're fine, but when you hear something that contradicts an identity belief, something you consider part of yourself, your body chemistry reacts as if you were being attacked by an animal.

I commit myself more and more to release the barnacles from my hull:  to stop thinking of this or that group of people as "my" group, and of this or that view as "my" view or "our" view.

If we found out that our calendars were calculated wrong and the Battle of Hastings was in 1067 and not 1066, few of us would feel attacked.    You can picture the absurdity of someone doubling down on 1066, because they've staked themselves on it in some way (ancestors, nationality, whatever it may be).

So now, imagine finding out something that challenges an idea closer to your identity —– as an American, as a liberal, a conservative, a Republican, a Democrat, a Texan, a Manhattanite.    Doubling down would be just as absurd —– but, in this world, far more understandable and even expected.

I like Harari's word "invest" here.    By investing in this way, we're putting our resources where moth and rust destroy and thieves can steal.    A surer investment beckons.