Breaking the Spell

(title shamelessly borrowed from Daniel C. Dennett’s book of the same name) Brainwashed parents, brainwashed kids. Abort the vortex: hit the skids! Become the one who dares to find How much tradition's tricked your mind. Not by parents’ views alone, By peers, as well, strange seeds were sown. Beliefs took root, grew deep and real, Yet may defraud; don’t go by feel. When you’ve reexamined all, Admit your knowledge still is small. Instruct your children that they, too, Might learn the most when doubting you.