I’ve made a conscious effort over the last several years to think a lot less about “what is a progressive or conservative supposed to think about this” or “what would this philosophical camp think about xyz”

It sneaks up on you, these patterns, in-group out-group, unconsciously. But damn, resisting it and finding your thoughts and voice on matters (yes, still shaped by ideologies, geography, background etc etc) is a damn good feeling to be proud of. To be free, as one can hope for 🧡