How to Think, Not What to Think

Subhead: What that actually means — and where we draw the line.

The Core Distinction

steamHouse distinguishes between procedural commitments (how to approach questions) and substantive conclusions (what answers to reach).

We commit to procedures:

  • Examine evidence carefully

  • Consider multiple perspectives

  • Acknowledge uncertainty

  • Revise beliefs when warranted

  • Respect those who disagree

  • Think about your own thinking

We don't require conclusions:

  • What to believe about God, afterlife, or cosmic meaning

  • Which political party or policies to support

  • How to resolve contested scientific or ethical debates

  • What career to pursue or values to prioritize

Beyond Neutrality: The Meta-Commitment

Here we must be honest about something the pure-neutrality framing obscures: steamHouse believes meaning-making matters.

We don't just teach thinking tools and remain neutral about whether you use them. We actively encourage you to develop your own sense of purpose — your own Gold Star Ideals about what makes life worth living.

We won't tell you what those ideals should be. That's yours to work out.

But we will say: having them matters. Drifting through life without examining what you care about is a real loss.

Level

What steamHouse Says

Procedural (Four Principles)

"Think this way" — we prescribe

Meta-commitment (Have purpose)

"Figure out what you believe" — we advocate

Substantive content (What to believe)

We don't prescribe — that's yours

On Faith and Religion

steamHouse is neither religious nor anti-religious.

We don't exclude religious perspectives or treat faith as backward. We also don't promote any faith commitment or require spiritual belief.

The Four Principles can be affirmed by atheists, agnostics, and believers alike. Different traditions ground them differently — but the procedural commitments are shared.

[Read the full epistemological position →] (links to PDF)

[Next: For Mentors →] Using these frameworks with young people

Statement on Religion
Political Statement