You Are Downloading Others' Priorities Into Your Mind

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses how individuals unconsciously adopt the priorities, goals, and ways of thinking of the groups and people around them, and the importance of being aware of this process to maintain one's own individual identity and priorities.

🙋 Q&A

[01] You Are Downloading Others' Priorities Into Your Mind

1. What are the key points made in this section?

• Individuals "download" the priorities, goals, and ways of thinking of the people and groups around them, such that their problems become your problems and their ways of thinking become your own.
• This happens unconsciously and is a natural and necessary part of human development and the growth of societies and civilizations, as it allows for the construction of cohesive collectives.
• However, it is important to be conscious of this process and not blindly accept what is important to the group, as one may become overly reliant on external sources of priorities and meaning.

2. What are the potential consequences of not being aware of this process?

• If one becomes too tightly tethered to a group and is then ousted or leaves, their foundations will be shaken, and they may miss out on a fulfilling life on their own terms.
• Questioning this process and not blindly accepting the group's priorities can even be the inception of change in the greater group.

[02] Assessing Priorities, Goals and Beliefs

1. What does the article advise regarding assessing one's priorities, goals, and beliefs?

• The article advises that it is one's responsibility, both to oneself and to the group, to assess the priorities, goals, and beliefs that have been adopted from external sources.
• One should not blindly accept what is important to the group, but rather think critically about whether these priorities, goals, and beliefs are truly right for them.

2. What are the potential benefits of this self-assessment?

• It can prevent one from ending up in a situation where they miss out on a fulfilling life on their own terms.
• It can even lead to positive change within the larger group, as one's questioning of the group's priorities can be the inception of change.