Stop the Dumbing Down: Do the Work
Why educating yourself is a revolutionary act.
Ronny Chieng’s sharp commentary – Dying is easy, Math is hard - cuts straight to the heart of a problem plaguing modern society: people aren’t doing the work to truly understand how things work and how to be better. In a world of skimming, scrolling, and catchy headlines, the erosion of curiosity and critical thinking is evident. If we want to build meaningful lives and communities, it’s time to shift away from simplistic thinking and put in the effort to deepen our understanding.
The irony is that we live in the Information Age, with an almost infinite amount of knowledge at our fingertips. Yet, instead of diving deeper and getting better informed, many of us are content with surface-level takes. The result? Simplistic answers to complex problems, misinformed opinions, and a society that values virality over veracity.
The Era of Headlines and Soundbites
In the past, headlines were just the gateway to the story. Today, they’ve become the story. Social media platforms, designed to reward engagement, have turned clickbait into a business model. According to a study by Columbia University, 59% of people share articles online without ever reading them. This means ideas are spread and debated based on their headlines alone, often leading to oversimplified or outright false narratives.
But there’s a reason why society feels like it’s stuck in a loop of oversimplification: there are powerful forces that don’t want you to do the work. The tech oligarchs, political autocrats, and self-styled "strongmen" benefit from your ignorance. They thrive on a populace that’s easy to manipulate, distracted by soundbites and spectacle. The less educated you are, the easier you are to control—and the more power they maintain.
They Don’t Want You to Think
Tech platforms and their algorithms aren’t designed to educate or empower you—they’re designed to keep you engaged and scrolling. The more distracted you are, the more ads and propaganda you see, and the richer these platforms and their owners become. Similarly, authoritarian leaders and populist demagogues like Trump and Musk push narratives that keep people uninformed and divided, ensuring that critical thought is replaced with blind loyalty or fear.
Education, in this context, becomes a revolutionary act. The best way to fight these systems is to educate yourself. As the saying goes, “Knowledge is power.” A curious, well-informed population is harder to manipulate, more likely to question authority, and better equipped to push for justice and fairness.
Doing the Work: What It Really Means
To break free from the forces of manipulation and reclaim your autonomy and agency, we need to approach learning and engagement with curiosity, openness, and *critical thought. Here’s how to start:
Read Beyond the Headline
Don’t stop at clickbait. Dive into the full content and explore multiple sources. This ensures you understand the context, complexities, and nuances.Ask Better Questions
Instead of asking, "What’s the quickest way to get this done?" ask, "What’s the most thoughtful or effective approach?" Good questions spark curiosity and drive meaningful learning.Use Curiosity to Drive Learning
Embrace a childlike curiosity to explore topics deeply. Ask yourself, "Why does this work the way it does?" or "What could I learn from perspectives I don’t agree with?"Stay Open-Minded
Being open to new ideas, even if they challenge your existing beliefs, is key to growth. Approach the unfamiliar with an attitude of discovery rather than judgement.Commit to Lifelong Learning
Make learning a continuous journey. Read books, take courses, attend events, and engage with people who know more than you. Growth happens when you push yourself to keep learning.Evaluate the Usefulness of Information
Not all information is equal. You can use the 3 Decisions Questions Checklist to assess its value and make more informed decisions:Is it life-threatening? If yes, prioritise immediate attention.
Is it morally threatening? Does it compromise your values or ethics?
Is it unhealthy? Will it harm your physical or mental well-being?
If the answer to any or all three is no, you can decide whether it’s worth your time or aligns with your goals.
Reject the Noise
Avoid spending hours scrolling through platforms filled with low-value content. Instead, actively seek out material and interactions that enrich your understanding and help you grow.Focus on Substance Over Style
Value individuals and ideas for their depth, not their ability to grab attention. Choose people and resources that prioritise meaningful contributions over self-promotion.
The Stakes Are High
If we don’t take the time to educate ourselves, we leave the door wide open for manipulation. Distracted and divided people are easier to control, whether by tech companies profiting from our attention or authoritarian leaders pushing propaganda and lies.
But when we educate ourselves, we disrupt the systems designed to keep us in the dark. Knowledge allows us to challenge misinformation, resist divisive tactics, and advocate for a better society. A well-informed population is the foundation of a functioning democracy, strong communities, and personal empowerment.
Checklist: Is This Useful?
Before you invest time or energy into something, ask:
Does this deepen my understanding or challenge me to think critically?
Does it help me grow emotionally, intellectually, or ethically?
Does it align with my values or goals?
Does it create opportunities for meaningful connection or action?
If the answer is “yes” to these, it’s likely worth your time.
Quick Test: Is It an Opinion or a Well-Informed Argument?
Ask these questions:
Is it supported by evidence?
Does it acknowledge other perspectives?
Is it logically consistent and free of bias?
Does it rely on credible sources?
If the answer to these questions is "yes," you’re likely dealing with a well-informed argument, not just an opinion.
By practicing critical thinking and distinguishing between opinions and reasoned arguments, you empower yourself to make smarter decisions and engage more effectively in meaningful discussions.
Curiosity and Education: A Revolutionary Act
Curiosity isn’t just a personal virtue—it’s a political one. Choosing to educate yourself is one of the most powerful ways to push back against forces that want you to remain passive, distracted, and uninformed. When you ask questions, seek deeper understanding, and challenge simplistic narratives, you reclaim your power.
The Call to Action
Doing the work is about more than personal growth—it’s about creating a better world. By cultivating curiosity, evaluating what’s worth our time, and rejecting shallow engagement, we can reverse the trend of oversimplification and superficiality. The best way to fight the systems that seek to manipulate you is to get educated.
As Ronny Chieng reminds us, "Math is hard." But understanding the world, building better relationships, and reclaiming our power from tech oligarchs and authoritarian systems is worth the effort. Do the work. Be curious. Stay informed. That’s how we build a better, fairer, and freer future.
Onward we press.
Resources
Tips for Exercising Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is the foundation for making well-informed decisions, distinguishing facts from opinions, and forming reasoned arguments. Here are practical tips to hone this essential skill:
1. Ask Questions
Always ask: Who is saying this? Why are they saying it? What evidence do they provide?
Challenge assumptions by asking "Why?" or "How do we know this?"
2. Evaluate the Source
Check if the source is credible, unbiased, and well-regarded in the field.
Avoid relying solely on information from social media or unverified platforms.
3. Seek Evidence
Look for data, research, or facts to back up claims.
Be wary of sweeping generalisations or anecdotes presented as evidence.
4. Understand Context
Place the information in its broader context. A fact can be misleading if taken out of its proper context.
Research the historical, cultural, or political background of the issue.
5. Recognise Bias (Including Your Own)
Consider how personal biases or emotions might influence your interpretation.
Be open to changing your perspective if presented with new evidence.
6. Compare Multiple Perspectives
Don’t rely on one source or viewpoint. Read, watch, or listen to multiple perspectives, even those you disagree with.
This will help you understand the complexity of an issue and reduce echo-chamber effects.
7. Separate Emotions from Logic
Avoid letting strong feelings override facts or reason.
Acknowledge emotions but focus on rational, evidence-based reasoning.
8. Avoid Logical Fallacies
Watch out for common errors like strawman arguments, false dichotomies, or ad hominem attacks.
Learn to spot when someone is deflecting or misrepresenting an argument.
9. Be Open-Minded
Be willing to admit when you’re wrong or when you don’t know something.
Curiosity and humility are key to growth and understanding.
10. Take Time to Reflect
Avoid rushing to judgment. Pause, think, and gather more information before forming a conclusion.
Consider long-term implications and not just immediate reactions.
The Difference Between an Opinion and a Well-Informed Argument
Opinion
Definition: A personal belief or judgement not necessarily based on facts or knowledge.
Characteristics:
Often emotional or subjective.
May lack supporting evidence.
Can be based on personal experience or hearsay.
Example:
"I think electric cars are the future because they’re cool."
Well-Informed Argument
Definition: A reasoned, evidence-based perspective that considers multiple viewpoints and relies on credible information.
Characteristics:
Backed by research, facts, and data.
Acknowledges counterarguments or complexities.
Presents logical reasoning and avoids fallacies.
Example:
"Electric cars are a critical part of the future of transportation due to their lower emissions, growing affordability, and increasing government incentives, as shown by studies from the International Energy Agency and automotive industry reports."