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Writer's pictureJohn Whitehead

Education or Indoctrination

Having joined the US Navy at the age of seventeen. I am very aware of the effects of indoctrination and the process used to facilitate that indoctrination on the unsuspecting minds of youth.


The results of being thoroughly indoctrinated were obvious. Those of us who completed boot camp were wholly convinced of the duty we had volunteered to carry out. This could be seen in an allegiance to the military even though you were being molded into something someone else wanted us to become.


Having always held individuality in high regard, it is perplexing to think back to how easily I gave up my free-thinking and carefree attitude and gave in to a duty-focused and structurally driven one.


Looking around, I see this same process used today in the name of education or in organizations where buy-in is required.


The method being used is tried and true, and the results are seen in people who, like me, see themselves as independent even as they embrace the doctrines of those in a position to provide “education or indoctrination.”


This points to the truth: " Education or indoctrination” is closely aligned and used by governments, schools, businesses, and other organizations to manipulate and coerce those who seek to join their respective teams.


The results are also evident, as people willingly submit, most of the time, without question, to every directive or mandate handed down by those in positions of authority. The power wielded and imposed by many of these people and organizations is significant and should not be discounted.


How does this happen? How do seemingly independent people become entirely dependent on those who have used the tactic of indoctrination to gain influence in their lives?    


It happens because we all want desperately to belong, and when we find a place where we feel worthy of belonging, we become all in. This often occurs even when we know the manipulations are tangible and obvious.


“Education or indoctrination” is subjective, and those seeking to belong by submitting themselves to this type of manipulation may not realize they are being indoctrinated at all.

So, what can we do to ensure we are being educated, not indoctrinated?


The answer is simple: Test everything. Make sure what you are being told aligns with your belief system. Question those in authority and listen to the words being used, not just the words you hear people say.


If you do this, you will know whether you are experiencing “education or indoctrination.”

There are many instances when we may have to withdraw from a situation we want to be a part of because it is not something we should be doing.


The problem is that many lack the courage and conviction to stand up and stand out. Without the willingness to do so, we will never know if we are being educated or indoctrinated.


1 Thessalonians 5:19-22,” Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good—Abstain from every form of evil.



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Nov 11
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Education or indoctrination? what an incredibly good question, and with perfect timing. Education in its truest form seems to stand the test of time. In contrast indoctrination seems to be only for a moment in time.

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John Whitehead
John Whitehead
Nov 12
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Well said. Unfortunately, it is in this moment in time we see indoctrination being hailed as education!

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