In life, there are truly frustrating people. No matter how calmly you explain something, they just won't listen.

Even when you show them proof, it doesn't help. When opposing facts come up, they refuse to accept them at all.

So we usually say, that person is just stubborn.

But if you look closely, it's not just simple stubbornness; it's that some thoughts are locked so tightly in their minds that the very channels for hearing new ideas are blocked. This can be complicatedly referred to as brainwashing, or in English, brainwashing.

Brainwashing, commonly referred to as indoctrination, describes a state where a person's thoughts are firmly bound in a specific direction. It's somewhat different from simply believing a certain opinion. It's closer to a state where the mind is closed off from accepting any other opinions or evidence.

For example, if someone strongly believes in a particular group or person, even when shown opposing facts, they might immediately dismiss it by saying, "That's a lie." Indoctrination usually occurs in environments with repetitive messaging, strong group dynamics, and where doubt is seen as negative. Therefore, the core of indoctrination lies not in the belief itself but in losing the opportunity to question.

Many people think of indoctrination as something associated with strange religious groups or authoritarian states. However, it can actually be found much closer to home. It can occur in online communities, political groups, fandoms, and even among friends. What's important is not what thoughts you believe, but how you believe those thoughts.

The philosopher Nietzsche once questioned whether humans truly desire the truth. People always say that truth is important.

But in reality, there are many times when they want the feeling of being right more than the truth.

Why is that? Because the truth isn't always pleasant. The truth can make someone feel like they are wrong.

For example, let's say a student firmly believes that their inability to study is due to the teacher. At first, it might just be a complaint. But at some point, they start blaming the teacher for failing tests, not doing homework, and even for other friends getting good grades, thinking it's favoritism. At this point, the issue is not the grades but the structure of their beliefs. They have reached a state where they cannot change their mind no matter what happens.

Philosopher Chris Ranaldi describes this state by saying that indoctrination is a condition where beliefs are cut off from the outside. Simply put, it's like putting up walls around one's thoughts. Any words from the outside bounce off those walls. When opposing opinions come in, instead of considering them, they are immediately classified as enemies.

In such a person's mind, this is what happens. When someone presents an opposing opinion, they think, that person doesn't know what they're talking about, that's a lie, that's an attempt to shake us, that person has bad intentions. This automatic defense mechanism kicks in. In other words, they block the content before it even enters their mind.

This is frightening because even intelligent people can easily fall into this state. Just because someone is indoctrinated doesn't mean they are foolish. They can articulate well, read a lot, and seem logical. In fact, such people may defend their thoughts even more strongly. It's not that they are unintelligent; they feel that questioning is dangerous.

For example, let's say someone absolutely believes a Korean YouTuber filled with nationalistic pride.

They think everything that YouTuber says is true. Then, someone shows them a clip where that YouTuber has provided incorrect information.

In this case, they should ideally think, oh, that part might be wrong. But when they are close to a state of indoctrination, their reaction is different. They might say, that video is manipulated. Those people already dislike that channel. They're attacking because it's becoming popular. They defend immediately. Instead of examining the facts, preserving their belief comes first.

Similar situations occur in fandoms. Liking a certain idol is natural. However, when someone points out that idol's mistakes or issues, if they immediately treat that person as a hater without considering whether it's true or not, it becomes dangerous. Liking something isn't bad. But when they start pushing away reality to protect their favorite, their thinking begins to close off.

Political discussions are even more severe. You can support one side. But when you start to think that everything your side does is just, and everything the opposing side does is evil, that's when facts become less important than party loyalty. In this state, news is read not as information but only in terms of whether it's favorable or unfavorable to your side.

So, arguing with someone who is indoctrinated feels like fighting a wall. You're clearly speaking, but information isn't being exchanged. One side is explaining, while the other is just defending. The other person doesn't feel like they are listening to you; they feel attacked.

Many people make a mistake here. They think that if they push harder, the other person will change. They bring more evidence, argue more sharply, and laugh more loudly. But usually, it goes the opposite way. When people feel attacked, they don't open up. They close off even more.

Why is that? Because doubt is a frightening thing.

Realizing that what you've believed could be wrong isn't just about correcting a piece of information. For some, it shakes their self-esteem; for others, it shakes their friendships; and for some, it shakes their very identity.

For example, let's say there's a strong belief among friends. But what happens if one person starts to question it? They might look like a traitor or someone who doesn't get it. So, people often ignore evidence that shows they are wrong. This is because the fear of belonging can be greater than the fear of the truth.

So what should we do? The important thing here is not to defeat the other person but to enable them to think for themselves. Instead of pushing them to admit they are wrong, it's better to ask questions. Is that really the case? How would you explain it if the opposite situation occurred? If someone you dislike said the same thing, would you believe it? These questions are much less threatening than an attack.

Another important point is not to mock. When people feel embarrassed, they tend to protect their pride rather than change their thoughts. Especially when humiliated in front of others, they will never admit it at that moment. Even if they are shaken inside, they will hold on until the end.

Changing one's mind is not a weakness. It's actually a strong thing. Admitting that you could be wrong isn't easy. Stepping back from your side, your preferences, and your beliefs to look again takes quite a bit of courage.

Ultimately, the first step to correcting indoctrination may be creating a safer atmosphere rather than making more noise. People need to feel that it's okay to doubt, to ask questions, and to change their thoughts. If you want to change someone, you first need to allow them the freedom to be wrong.

We usually think that intelligent people are those who find answers quickly.

But perhaps truly intelligent people are those who can reconsider their thoughts.

Those who can think again, even if they are shaken, are stronger than those who believe unconditionally. The world is inherently complex, and people are inherently often wrong. Therefore, what is needed more than perfect certainty is the comfort of knowing that it's okay to be wrong. In the moment that comfort is lost, anyone can easily become a closed-minded person.