Mastering Definition and Belief
A curated collection of articles, stories, and exercises to deepen your understanding of Guidepost Two: The Power of Definition and Belief
What’s New
Your Whackadoodle Weekly Nudge: How Beliefs Bend the World That Is
Our beliefs shape how we see the world—and how we respond to it. In this chapter, the girl drops by with a list of tools for stretching your thinking: from redefining big words to trying on other people’s perspectives. If you’ve ever wondered why people react so differently to the same situation—or how to shift your own outlook—this one’s for you. You’ll find stories, insights, and exercises to help you expand your worldview without losing yourself in the process.
The Journey so Far
Navigating a Whackadoodle World: Episode Two
What does it really mean to be a “real” man—or a “good” one? In this second episode of Navigating a Whackadoodle World, the girl returns for another round of Socratic jabs, abstract nouns, and brainy banter. Together, she and her tutor unpack how definitions—and the beliefs that flow from them—shape our lives, our identities, and even our political arguments. From masculinity to media bias to the messiness of modern discourse, this one's a deep dive into how language steers the ship. Bonus: homework you’ll actually want to try.
Navigating A Whackadoodle World: Episode 16, or How to Wake Someone Out of Their Assumptions
What do grits, dirty windows, and a con artist at a party have in common? They all make an appearance in this witty and eye-opening dive into the Socratic Method. As the girl wrestles with her school assignment, she and her tutor unravel the real purpose of asking questions—not to win arguments, but to wake us up from our “dogmatic slumbers.” If you've ever wondered how beliefs are built, busted, and reshaped, this one’s for you. Bonus: a legal drama, a little Plato, and a lot of critical thinking.
Navigating a Whackadoodle World: Episode 31, or Why do some beliefs lead to violence?
Can beliefs cause war? She wanted to talk about Israel and Hamas. Her tutor wanted to run the other direction. But what started as a dodge turned into a rich conversation about how beliefs fuel violence—and how questioning them might just be the antidote. From dehumanization to critical thinking, they explore how we define “the other,” and whether asking the right questions can shift the story. Includes one surprising movie recommendation with zero shootouts.
Guidepost Two: The Power of Definition and Belief (Aka Episode 45)
“Who would choose autocracy?” That question kicks off a surprising dive into power, trust, and the fragility of democracy. From the Arab Spring to E.B. White, from Trump’s Truth Social posts to Game Theory’s “tit for tat,” the girl and her tutor wrestle with what makes people hand over freedom for the illusion of safety. Along the way: false dilemmas, grammar rants, and one global music video that might restore your faith in humanity—if only a little.
Navigating a Whackadoodle World: Episode 59, or What's up with emotional intelligence anyway?
In this insightful article, a student and her tutor dive into the heart of Emotional Intelligence—breaking down what it really means and why it matters. Learn how self-awareness, emotional control, empathy, and more shape the way we connect, communicate, and thrive. You’ll even get to test your EQ with two quick quizzes and discover practical tools to sharpen your emotional skills. Not just theory—it’s a roadmap for understanding yourself and others.
Your Whackadoodle Weekly Nudge: How Beliefs Bend the World That Is
Ever wonder why the same moment can make one person cry, another rage, and a third break into song? It all comes down to belief. In this post, the girl shows up with a backpack full of brain-bending tools—reframes, redefinitions, and refracted light. You’ll explore how beliefs shape not just opinions but emotions, choices, even identity. Whether you’re ready to shift a mindset or just want to argue better at dinner, this one’s got something that’ll stick with you.