Problem
People often support political positions without understanding them.
Action
Study the basic facts about an issue before forming a political opinion.
Outcome
Your political judgments become more informed.
Chapter: Hobbits and Hooligans
Problem
People often accept false political claims that support their existing views.
Action
Look for evidence that could challenge your political beliefs.
Outcome
Your understanding becomes more accurate.
Chapter: Ignorant, Irrational, Misinformed Nationalists
Problem
Political participation can encourage loyalty to a group over truth.
Action
Reject political claims that lack evidence, even when they support your preferred side.
Outcome
Your reasoning becomes more independent.
Chapter: Political Participation Corrupts
Problem
Individual citizens have very little influence over political outcomes.
Action
Spend more time on activities where your actions directly help others.
Outcome
Your effort produces more meaningful results.
Chapter: Politics Doesn’t Empower You or Me
Problem
People often treat politics as a way to express identity rather than solve problems.
Action
Support policies based on the results they are likely to produce.
Outcome
Political decisions become more practical.
Chapter: Politics Is Not a Poem
Problem
Poor government decisions can cause widespread harm.
Action
Support institutions and leaders that demonstrate knowledge and sound judgment.
Outcome
Public decisions become more effective.
Chapter: The Right to Competent Government
Problem
Democratic procedures do not guarantee good decisions.
Action
Assess democracy by the quality of its outcomes.
Outcome
Political systems receive a more accurate evaluation.
Chapter: Is Democracy Competent?
Problem
Political ignorance can weaken important public decisions.
Action
Increase the influence of people with relevant knowledge in decision-making.
Outcome
Policies become better informed.
Chapter: The Rule of the Knowers
Problem
Political hostility turns disagreement into mutual distrust.
Action
Approach political opponents with respect and a willingness to learn from them.
Outcome
Political disagreement becomes more constructive.
Chapter: Civic Enemies