Take a stand

Make positive claims. Develop short feedback loops with reality, and within that Treat answers as tools.

It is easy to criticize something, but harder to suggest an alternative. “Maybe this” is more generative than “not that”.

When learning, conversing, doing creative work in a group, or just going about life, taking a stand on a topic is very useful. It gives others something to react to.

Of course this must be coupled with a willingness to be wrong and change your views, ideally even an active desire to be wrong. Holding strong views without believing the original question is settled.

Consider the opposite is a useful technique that flexes both of the above muscles.

References:

• Andy Matuschak notes on making positive claims
• Learning by writing