That specific method of indoctrination doesn’t seem effective. However, we do see cases where indoctrination occurs successfully under certain conditions—such as French prisons reportedly being hubs for Islamist radicalization among inmates, or children in parts of Africa being forcibly recruited into militant groups and later made complicit in horrific acts, sometimes even against their own families. Similarly, vulnerable individuals are sometimes “guided” into becoming human weapons, as seen in cases of suicide bombings.
As for fostering better values, both evaluation and reliably teaching them are indeed significant challenges. But I believe are worth overcoming. Shouldn’t our “end” goal be to cultivate a world where the majority of people grow up as loving, caring, and fulfilled individuals?
Starting this process as early as possible—during formative years—seems more promising than attempting to “convert” those whose worldviews and habits have already been solidified through life experiences. Early interventions might lay a stronger foundation for lasting change.
That specific method of indoctrination doesn’t seem effective. However, we do see cases where indoctrination occurs successfully under certain conditions—such as French prisons reportedly being hubs for Islamist radicalization among inmates, or children in parts of Africa being forcibly recruited into militant groups and later made complicit in horrific acts, sometimes even against their own families. Similarly, vulnerable individuals are sometimes “guided” into becoming human weapons, as seen in cases of suicide bombings.
As for fostering better values, both evaluation and reliably teaching them are indeed significant challenges. But I believe are worth overcoming.
Shouldn’t our “end” goal be to cultivate a world where the majority of people grow up as loving, caring, and fulfilled individuals?
Starting this process as early as possible—during formative years—seems more promising than attempting to “convert” those whose worldviews and habits have already been solidified through life experiences. Early interventions might lay a stronger foundation for lasting change.
What do you think?