Scout Mindset by Julia Galef

THE SCOUT MINDSET by Julia Galef is one of my favorite books of the year. I am seriously considering using portions of this non-fiction text to reinforce key concepts when I teach research skills. Galef emphasizes the difference between a “soldier mindset” (follow the rules) and a “scout mindset” (be open to new ideas and ways of scanning the environment). Many times, our students are set on proving a pre-conceived thesis, rather than letting the research organically drive their conclusions. Discussing Galef’s points about the disadvantages of defending our beliefs against outside threats and ignoring contrary evidence could lead students to appreciate the (re)search aspect of looking for information as well as reward a willingness to experiment more fully with databases and credible web sites.  As Michael Shermer notes in his Wall Street Journal review of THE SCOUT MINDSET, “’I was wrong’ and ‘I changed my mind’ become virtues instead of vices.” I loved Galef’s tales of the scout mindset where “there’s no such thing as a ‘threat’ to your beliefs. If you find out you were wrong about something, great – you’ve improved your map and that can only help you.”

And, I have found a great video to visually reinforce this point with students – be ready to try the unconventional, just like Javy Baez running the bases for the Cubs:

Here is a quick summary of the contrast which Galef describes: 

 

Additional positive reviews from Adam Grant (Think Again) and Daniel Kahneman (Noise – review forthcoming).