This episode of Re:Thinking with Adam Grant invites Tara Westover, the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling book “Educated”.
The discussion revolves around Tara’s personal journey of self-education, the struggles and triumphs of challenging deeply held beliefs, and the impact of shifting sources of authority in our complex world.
Shift in Authority Sources
In a complex world, sources of authority are crucial.
However, the erosion of traditional authority sources can lead to unexpected consequences.
For instance, the influence of online identities can undermine religious leadership, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when the authority of the Mormon Church was weakened in promoting vaccination.
The Triumphs of Self-Education
Self-education can be a triumphant journey, but it comes with its own set of challenges.
Recognizing one’s own fallibility and maintaining intellectual humility when engaging in discussions with others is crucial.
The best environments for learning are ones that provide time, space, and the ability to focus on what is truly important. – Tara Westover
Role of Education in Expanding Worldview
Education plays a crucial role in expanding one’s worldview and challenging preconceived notions.
The process of rethinking beliefs requires openness and a willingness to question deeply held convictions.
The Struggles of Educating Others
Educating others can be a struggle, especially when met with resistance.
An effective approach is to frame information in a way that fosters collaboration and engagement, rather than triggering defensive responses.
The Journey of Self-Education
Evolving from undereducated circumstances to earning a PhD requires intense focus, prioritizing what’s important, and navigating through distractions.
It requires paying attention to activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
The journey is a blend of enjoyment and pain, leading to personal growth and transformation.
Challenging Ingrained Beliefs
Questioning deeply rooted beliefs can be painful and challenging.
It requires introspection and the ability to separate inherited ideas from personal values.
It’s crucial to approach this process with curiosity and understanding, rather than condemnation, creating a safe environment for individuals to question their beliefs.
Effective Communication and Intellectual Humility
Presenting information as a puzzle or mystery promotes collaborative and open-minded discussions while avoiding defensive responses.
Intellectual humility plays a key role in these discussions, even when it’s disheartening when accumulated knowledge isn’t valued by others.
The Dilemma of Conveying Expertise
Conveying expertise to those with less knowledge can be challenging.
While maintaining intellectual humility is important, it can be disheartening when accumulated knowledge is not valued.
The Impact of Shifting Authority Sources
The shift in authority sources can have significant impacts on important issues.
For instance, the emergence of online identities can weaken traditional sources of authority, such as religious leadership, and affect their influence on matters like vaccination during a pandemic.
The Importance of Attuned Communication
Attuned communication builds trust and promotes open-mindedness.
Heavy-handed approaches can trigger resistance even if the person agrees with the information.
Respecting where everyone is in their process and granting them space and dignity is paramount.
I think it takes a lot of maturity to be able to meet the world where it is and to accept the way the world’s made, and at the same time be committed to the things that you believe and that are important to you. – Tara Westover
Your interest in the person has to be fundamentally different than just changing them… It takes a lot of maturity to be able to meet the world where it is and to accept the way the world’s made, and at the same time be committed to the things that you believe and that are important to you. – Tara Westover
The Power of Education
Education is a powerful tool for expanding one’s worldview and challenging preconceived notions.
It requires a willingness to question and rethink deeply held beliefs.
Fostering Meaningful Dialogue
Meaningful dialogue stems from genuine interest in understanding others, rather than trying to change their beliefs.
Creating a calm environment where individuals can hear themselves fosters self-reflection and a desire for change.
