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About this quote

What does it mean?
You must clear away wrong beliefs before adding new ideas.
In plain terms
Remove old wrong ideas before putting in new ones.
What can you take from it?
Clear misconceptions before teaching new concepts.

Where it applies

  • teaching
  • persuasion

Putting it to work

  • ask about beliefs first
  • challenge assumptions

Questions to consider

  • What beliefs need removing?
  • How do you learn?

Another view

Some people resist having beliefs challenged.

More from Robert A. Heinlein

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  2. There has grown up in the minds of certain groups in this country the notion that because a man or corporation has made a profit out of the public for a number…

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  3. You have attributed conditions to villainy that simply result from stupidity.

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