Introduce Them To The (Friendly) World of Ideas

Mar 3, 2020

General Jim Mattis shares his nostalgic childhood experiences in Pullman, Washington, filled with books and meaningful discussions. He emphasizes the importance of presenting a world ripe with ideas rather than one to be feared. In an era of heightened divisiveness, he encourages parents to foster curiosity in their children, allowing them to explore diverse perspectives. The conversation highlights the dangers of closed-mindedness and the need for children to form their own informed opinions in order to thrive.

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ANECDOTE

Mattis's Childhood

General Mattis fondly recalls growing up in Pullman, Washington, surrounded by books.
His parents encouraged reading, questioning, and interacting with ideas.

INSIGHT

The Danger of Closed-Mindedness

In today's political climate, it's easy to denigrate opposing beliefs.
Some parents, like book burners, teach their children to fear ideas and disagreement.

ADVICE

Raising Open-Minded Kids

Teach children curiosity, openness, and a willingness to explore different ideas.
Help them form informed opinions and be comfortable with uncomfortable topics.

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General Jim Mattis has talked about his idyllic childhood in Pullman, Washington. There he spent time outdoors, explored, got in trouble, and had an all-American childhood. He talks lovingly of a house filled with books—as we’ve said, a house without books is not a home—and parents who not only encouraged their children to read them, but questioned and interacted with them.

“They introduced us to a world of great ideas—not a fearful place,” he said, “but a place to enjoy.” What a thing to say! A target for each of us to try to hit with our own children.

It’s so easy in these partisan, political times to live not only in a bubble of our own beliefs...but to actively denigrate the beliefs of others. Think of the families hunkered down, watching Fox News, refusing to interact with any information that contradicts their worldview. Think of the parents who are no better than book burners, arguing that Huckleberry Finn should be pulled from schools or that trigger warnings need to be put in front of everything remotely controversial. These people are teaching their children that ideas are dangerous, that disagreement is an offense and that you can make things go away by pretending they don’t exist.

You must teach your kids to be curious, to be open, to be willing to explore. Your job is not to make them believe what you believe or to prevent them from ever encountering what you dislike or think is repulsive. Your job is to teach them how to make their own informed opinions, how to decide for themselves, how to be comfortable with uncomfortable topics. Don’t model contempt. Don’t model close-mindedness. Don’t model fear.

Ideas are our friends. They will serve your children well, and your children will serve them well, if you teach them early and often. The world is a place of great ideas. There is nothing to be afraid of...except fear and ignorance.

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