Just because everyone else is wrong, it doesn't mean you're right

[Diokine]

When looking at a system that is hypercomplex and difficult to define or explain, one will often find deficiencies in understanding that lead to mistakes or errors in judgement. This is especially true under imperfect communication. Statistically speaking, do you think one is likely to be more or less correct in their assumptions than the majority of other agents interpreting their reality? This is close to the foundation of rationality, which Dr. Peat defined as "thinking that something is true just because you thought of it."

In regards to authority - an appeal to the authority of a figure to acquire influence in a market is closely tied with rationality. Authoritarianism differs from authoritativeness in the sense that authoritarianism implies that the figure or image is the source of truth or agency. The figure of authority is thus seen to have the "true" light, illuminating all so errors will be made plainly obvious. It's akin to claiming the light you provide casts no shadows. Figures of authority typically can't tolerate perspectives other than ones generated by the image, and the image of authority must be maintained. This can be a grave error and can progress to despotism.

 

[Rinse & rePeat]

“For students, as for rats, freedom and variety are good for the brain, and tedious conformity is harmful. When a school is very good, it can spread a contagion of playfulness along with an interest in learning." -Ray Peat

 

[Rinse & rePeat]

"When questions are answered, curiosity is rewarded, and the person is enlivened. In school, when following instructions and conforming to a routine is the main business, many questions must go unanswered, and curiosity is punished by the dulling emptiness of the routine"
-Ray Peat

 

[Rinse & rePeat]

“Science is a method that helps us to avoid believing things that are wrong, but there is a distinct herd instinct among people who “work in science,” which makes it easy to believe whatever sounds plausible, if a lot of other people are saying it is true. This is just as evident in physics as it is in medicine. Sometimes powerful economic interests help people to change their beliefs, for example as the insurance industry helped to convince the public of the dangers of smoking. Two of the biggest industries in the world, the estrogen industry and the soy bean industry, spend vast amounts of money helping people to believe certain plausible-sounding things that help them sell their products. Sometimes they can achieve great things just by naming the substance.” -Ray Peat