What mindset does a soldier have?

The "soldier mindset" reflects a defensive, entrenched way of thinking where individuals strive to protect their existing beliefs against contrary evidence. This mindset, often unconscious, urges people to find justifications for what they want to believe and to dismiss opposing views readily. This approach can make individuals feel good in the short term by validating their actions and beliefs but can hinder long-term personal growth and self-awareness 1 2.

Conversely, the "scout mindset" focuses on seeking truth and understanding the world objectively, regardless of personal biases or desires. It's about forming an accurate map of reality without the distortions introduced by defensive thinking. The scout mindset encourages recognizing and accepting when one is wrong, thus leading to better decision-making and alignment with reality 3 4.

Julia Galef, who elaborates extensively on these concepts, highlights that while both mindsets serve certain purposes, the scout mindset tends to foster more substantial, long-term benefits such as improved self-awareness and resilience, despite being less immediately comforting 5 6.