Build with Clay #113: Unlearning
A bi-weekly newsletter sparking personal growth
Hi, reader!
Today’s trivia: Name the 5 countries that end with the letter “L”.
With that, welcome to the 113th newsletter! This one is all about Unlearning.
A story.
During World War II, the British Royal Air Force started using a new technology called radar.
The enemy (Germany) had no idea radar existed.
Germany simply noticed that a lot of their night bombing raids were rapidly becoming more and more unsuccessful.
The German planes were being intercepted at a rate never seen before.
The British didn’t want the Germans catching on so they started a myth.
A myth that eating carrots gives their fighter pilots improved night vision and accuracy.
The Air Ministry released press statements to the public claiming that British pilots ate a large amount of carrots to help them see in the dark, which would allow them to intercept German bombers on night raids.
The myth fooled the British public, as well as the German High Command, and has endured as an old wives' tale.
A thought.
Thanks to the British Royal Air Force, I grew up thinking that carrots gave me incredible vision.
No wonder I was such a good passer on the basketball court!
Alas - it’s not true. There’s not a shred of evidence that carrots give us better vision.
But for 30+ years of my life - I thought I was doing my eyes a favor by eating carrots. I told my kids, “eat your carrots, they’re good for your eyes!”
I never questioned whether this was true. I just heard a bunch of people I trusted like my parents, uncles, friends and colleagues say it and I figured it had to be true!
The realization that carrots don’t help my vision was a reminder for me to constantly question what I know.
Just because I know something, it doesn’t make it true.
Let me repeat:
Just because I know something, it doesn’t make it true.
Some questions I ask myself:
On personal beliefs:
Why do I hold this opinion?
Am I basing this belief on personal experience alone?
How would I feel if someone challenged this belief?
On historical events:
What are the primary sources of information for this event?
Have I considered different interpretations of the historical narrative?
On scientific facts:
What is the scientific consensus on this topic?
Have recent studies contradicted previous findings?
On social issues:
Am I actively listening to diverse voices on this topic?
How can I be more informed and empathetic in my understanding?
What do you hold to be true? When is the last time you’ve genuinely questioned it?
A quote.
“An intelligent person is always learning. A wise person is always unlearning.”
- Excerpt from Don’t Believe Everything You Think
Answer: Senegal, Portugal, Nepal, Israel, Brazil