Julia Galef

“The more labels you have for yourself, the dumber they make you.”  - Julia Galef

Julia Galef speaking at an event, discussing rational thinking and intellectual humility with an engaging and insightful expression.

Julia Galef is a prominent writer, speaker, and advocate for critical thinking and rationality. Born on July 4, 1983, in the United States, she has made significant contributions to the promotion of clear reasoning and intellectual humility. Galef is best known as the co-founder of the Center for Applied Rationality (CFAR), an organisation dedicated to developing practical tools and techniques to improve decision-making and problem-solving skills. Through CFAR, she has worked to bridge the gap between academic research on cognitive biases and everyday applications of rational thought.

Galef’s work is deeply influenced by her passion for understanding how people think and why they believe what they do. She graduated from Columbia University with a degree in statistics, which provided her with a strong foundation in data analysis and logical reasoning. Her academic background, combined with her curiosity about human psychology, has shaped her approach to tackling complex issues. She emphasises the importance of questioning assumptions, updating beliefs based on evidence, and avoiding the pitfalls of motivated reasoning, where emotions or desires cloud judgment.

In addition to her work with CFAR, Galef is the author of The Scout Mindset: Why Some People See Things Clearly and Others Don’t, published in 2021. The book explores the difference between a “scout” mindset—focused on seeking truth and understanding reality—and a “soldier” mindset, which prioritises defending one’s existing beliefs. Through engaging anecdotes and research-backed insights, she encourages readers to adopt a more open and curious approach to life. The book has been widely praised for its accessible yet profound take on rationality.

Galef also hosted the popular podcast Rationally Speaking from 2010 to 2015, where she interviewed scientists, philosophers, and other thinkers about topics ranging from ethics to epistemology. Her ability to distill complex ideas into clear, relatable concepts has earned her a broad audience. Beyond her formal projects, she remains active in public discourse, often sharing thoughts on social media platforms like X, where she engages with followers on topics like intellectual honesty and cognitive biases.

Her influence extends to the broader rationalist and effective altruism communities, where she is regarded as a thoughtful voice advocating for self-improvement and societal progress. Galef’s work continues to inspire individuals to think more clearly, act more wisely, and approach the world with a blend of skepticism and curiosity.

The Body Of Work

Julia Galef has produced a body of work that centers on promoting rationality, critical thinking, and intellectual humility. Her contributions span writing, speaking, organisational leadership, and podcasting, all aimed at helping individuals improve their reasoning and decision-making processes. Below is an overview of her key works:

1. The Scout Mindset (Book)

Galef’s most prominent work is her 2021 book, The Scout Mindset: Why Some People See Things Clearly and Others Don’t. In it, she contrasts two ways of thinking: the “soldier mindset,” where people defend their beliefs as if in battle, and the “scout mindset,” where they seek truth like a scout mapping unfamiliar terrain. Drawing on psychology, philosophy, and real-world examples, she argues that adopting a scout mindset leads to better decisions and a clearer understanding of reality. The book offers practical advice on overcoming cognitive biases, embracing uncertainty, and updating beliefs based on evidence. It’s widely regarded as an accessible yet insightful guide to rational thinking.

2. Center for Applied Rationality (CFAR)

As a co-founder of CFAR, established in 2012, Galef played a pivotal role in creating a nonprofit dedicated to developing and teaching practical rationality techniques. CFAR’s workshops and resources aim to translate research on human cognition, such as cognitive biases and heuristics, into actionable tools for everyday life. While much of her work at CFAR involved curriculum development and instruction rather than published texts, it represents a significant intellectual contribution to applied rationality. She stepped away from day-to-day leadership in 2016 but remains associated with its mission.

3. Rationally Speaking (Podcast)

From 2010 to 2015, Galef hosted the Rationally Speaking podcast, originally launched by the New York City Skeptics. Over its run, she conducted over 150 episodes, interviewing notable figures in science, philosophy, and skepticism, including Daniel Kahneman, Steven Pinker, and Massimo Pigliucci. The podcast explored topics like the limits of human reason, the philosophy of science, and ethical dilemmas, blending rigorous discussion with an approachable style. Her tenure as host solidified her reputation as a skilled communicator of complex ideas.

4. Essays and Articles

Galef has written numerous essays and blog posts, often published on her personal website or platforms like Medium. These shorter works cover topics such as Bayesian reasoning, the value of intellectual humility, and critiques of common thinking errors. While not as formalised as her book, they reflect her consistent focus on clarity and evidence-based thought. Her writing style is concise and engaging, making abstract concepts relatable to a general audience.

5. Public Speaking and Social Media

Beyond formal publications, Galef’s talks at conferences, universities, and rationality meetups constitute an important part of her work. She has spoken on stages like TEDx, where she distills her ideas into compelling presentations. On social media, particularly X, she shares insights, engages in discussions, and refines her thinking in public, often posting about rationality, current events, or responses to her followers’ questions.

Galef’s works collectively aim to equip people with the tools to think more clearly and act more effectively. Whether through her book, CFAR’s programs, or her podcast, she emphasises practical applications of rationality over abstract theorising. Her influence is felt strongly within the rationalist community and beyond, as she continues to advocate for a mindset that values truth over comfort.

Big Takeaways

Here are five key takeaways from the works of Julia Galef, drawing primarily from her book The Scout Mindset, her contributions to the Center for Applied Rationality (CFAR), and her broader efforts in promoting rational thinking:

  1. Adopt a Scout Mindset Over a Soldier Mindset


    Galef’s central idea in The Scout Mindset is the distinction between two approaches to thinking: a “soldier” defends their beliefs like a fortress, while a “scout” seeks to map reality, even if it contradicts prior assumptions. The takeaway is to prioritise curiosity and truth-seeking over ego or loyalty to existing views, leading to a more accurate understanding and better decisions.

  2. Embrace Uncertainty and Update Beliefs


    A recurring theme in her work is the importance of being comfortable with uncertainty and willing to change your mind when evidence demands it. Galef teaches that clinging to certainty can blind us to reality, whereas treating beliefs as hypotheses—open to revision—fosters intellectual growth and resilience.

  3. Recognise and Counter Cognitive Biases


    Through CFAR and her writing, Galef emphasises the need to understand common thinking traps like confirmation bias, where we seek evidence that supports our views, or motivated reasoning, where emotions skew our logic. The takeaway is to actively question your thought processes and seek out disconfirming evidence to stay grounded in reality.

  4. Value Intellectual Humility


    Galef advocates for humility in how we approach knowledge, acknowledging what we don’t know and being open to being wrong. This takeaway, woven through her podcast discussions and essays, encourages seeing mistakes as learning opportunities rather than threats, which enhances personal and collective problem-solving.

  5. Apply Rationality Practically


    Whether through CFAR’s workshops or her actionable advice in The Scout Mindset, Galef stresses that rationality isn’t just theoretical—it’s a tool for everyday life. The takeaway is to use structured thinking (like weighing probabilities or testing assumptions) to make better choices, from small personal decisions to complex societal issues.

These takeaways encapsulate Galef’s mission to make rationality accessible and useful. She encourages a mindset that’s curious, flexible, and grounded in evidence. Her work inspires people to think not just harder but smarter.

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