9 - The Power of Changing Your Mind

What are you wrong about?

With so much of the world unknown and perhaps unknowable, pretending to understand too much inevitably leads to a brittle collapse when we eventually find out that we have been wrong all along.

In this episode, Chris explores our reticence to change our minds and reflects upon instances in life where he has had significant pivots in thinking.

From shifts in worldview to deeply personal life choices, having the capacity to change one's mind is a powerful tool for forging life with intelligence and care.

If you enjoy this episode, please follow me in instagram (@chrisendreypodcast) and consider supporting my work by joining my patreon (patreon.com/endrey).

• Introduction - 00:00
  Chris welcomes listeners and introduces the theme of changing one’s mind, emphasising its importance in personal and societal growth.

• Keynes Quote and Public Perception - 03:00
  Reflecting on John Maynard Keynes’ quote, “When the facts change, I change my mind,” and critiquing societal judgment of evolving opinions.

• News and Politics - 06:00
  Chris discusses his shift from believing news and politics are essential for intelligence to seeing them as often misleading or unhelpful.

• Location Matters - 13:00
  A realization that where you live significantly impacts opportunities, contrary to his earlier belief that hard work alone suffices.

• Dave Pocock’s Senate Win - 18:00
  Chris admits he was wrong about Dave Pocock’s chances of winning an ACT Senate seat, inspired by his success.

• Conflict as Healthy - 22:00
  Moving from avoiding conflict to recognizing it as a vital part of robust relationships and collaboration.

• We’re Not All the Same - 26:10
  Rejecting the notion that anyone can be anything, Chris embraces the unique differences between individuals

• Creativity Isn’t Universal - 30:00
  Acknowledging that creativity may stem from genetic differences, not just mindset or environment.

• Neuroscientific Insight - 34:02
  A recent study strongly links low self-awareness to strong reactions on moral issues, prompting reflection on snap judgments

.

• Living as a Prisoner to Past Decisions - 36:00
  Exploring how failing to change one’s mind can trap people in unfulfilling careers or life paths.

• Having Kids - 39:00
  A transformative shift from not wanting children to finding parenthood profoundly enriching.

• Complaining’s Limits - 42:00
  Chris moves from defending complaining to seeing it as potentially imprisoning, advocating for action-oriented responses.

• Conclusion - 44:00
  Wrapping up with reflections on the power of changing one’s mind, encouraging listeners to share the episode and join the Patreon community.