This is a really great primer for people who grew up in the digital age; thanks so much for writing it! I am fortunate enough (i.e., I'm old enough LOL) that I grew up and was educated in the pre-digital age of of paper and pencil, back when US schools still taught - at the grade school level - the basic tools that you describe here.
This is valuable but information skepticism must become innate, as I think it must. Very little is certain in this world: that’s rule one. You must become comfortable with the fact that you will almost never get the complete picture. Rule two: incentives rule, whether it’s a paycheck or world domination. Must please the boss, or ride the zeitgeist. Rule three: if it’s sounds too good too pat, some context has been left out. Axiom: context is everything.
I appreciate the beginning when you talk about primary sources. I work often with oral histories, which provide great stories and additional details that aren't often available in official sources. However, they also include tons of incorrect information, either because memories are faulty or because the storytelling is the point, not dry facts.
Yes, you’re right. One of the most useful courses I took in high school ( in the early 70s) was journalism. The instructor probably spent more time on verifying sources and the importance of presenting a balanced fact-based view as she did on polishing our prose.
Very useful information. A great guide for those who seek truths!
This is awesome! Thanks for writing this.
💯 Excellent
This is a really great primer for people who grew up in the digital age; thanks so much for writing it! I am fortunate enough (i.e., I'm old enough LOL) that I grew up and was educated in the pre-digital age of of paper and pencil, back when US schools still taught - at the grade school level - the basic tools that you describe here.
Great advice. Something for everyone to remember. Thank you for sharing.
Check, cross check and recheck. Then always know your source. The source is like a friend you know well.
This is valuable but information skepticism must become innate, as I think it must. Very little is certain in this world: that’s rule one. You must become comfortable with the fact that you will almost never get the complete picture. Rule two: incentives rule, whether it’s a paycheck or world domination. Must please the boss, or ride the zeitgeist. Rule three: if it’s sounds too good too pat, some context has been left out. Axiom: context is everything.
A physician, a politician and a scientific researcher walk into a bar.
Which one do you trust?
I appreciate the beginning when you talk about primary sources. I work often with oral histories, which provide great stories and additional details that aren't often available in official sources. However, they also include tons of incorrect information, either because memories are faulty or because the storytelling is the point, not dry facts.
This is great! Some form of it should be taught at each level of education.
It actually used to be, if you go back far enough :-). See my comment above.
Yes, you’re right. One of the most useful courses I took in high school ( in the early 70s) was journalism. The instructor probably spent more time on verifying sources and the importance of presenting a balanced fact-based view as she did on polishing our prose.