> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://thepolymathproject.gitbook.io/reading/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://thepolymathproject.gitbook.io/reading/relearning-how-to-read/why-a-book-is-not-a-book/conversation-vs-indoctrination.md).

# Conversation vs Indoctrination

From [*Reading Difficult Texts*](https://public.wsu.edu/~hughesc/Reading%20Difficult%20Texts.html)*:*

> *Readers must play two opposing roles: an open-minded believer who can succumb to the text's power and a skeptical doubter who can find weakness in the text. In playing these roles the reader does carry on a silent conversation with the text's author.*

This is where a degree of psychological maturity comes in. Without some psychological maturity, we are less prone to notice that we are (1) misrepresenting the author's argument, (2) being hypercritical because of your own bias, (3) or accepting everything because it supports your own position, etc.