Ben Milligan


Useful Not True - Why It’s Not About Being Right

It's not just a book—it’s a shift in how you approach life. It starts with a bold idea: truth is overrated. What matters isn’t whether a belief is “true” in some absolute sense but whether it’s helpful for where you are and what you want to do. It’s not a call to abandon truth but an invitation to loosen your grip on it.

The premise sounds wild at first, doesn’t it? But think about it. How often do we cling to a belief just because it feels right—even if it’s holding us back? Sivers flips that on its head: pick beliefs that push you forward.

Key Ideas That Stuck With Me

Truth is a perspective, not a fact. Most of what we call “truth” is just our interpretation. Facts can be twisted, memories are unreliable, and biases color everything. So why not let go of the need to be “right” and focus on what works?

Reframe to empower. Ever caught yourself saying, “I can’t afford this,” or “This is too hard”? Sivers suggests flipping the script. Instead of accepting your first thought, ask a better question: *“How can I make this work?”* That simple shift changes everything.

Actions speak louder. Words are easy, but actions show intent. People often justify what they’ve done to align with their self-image, but Sivers encourages us to look at what’s being *done*—that’s where the real story is.

Beliefs as tools. Here’s the kicker: beliefs aren’t sacred. They’re tools. If one isn’t working, swap it out for something that will. Think of it like this: if you’re bowling and your ball keeps veering left, aim right to compensate. It doesn’t matter if that’s “correct”—it matters that it works.

Why This Matters

Reading Useful Not True isn’t about agreeing with everything in the book. It’s about trying on a new way of thinking, like a pair of shoes you didn’t expect to fit. You start to see how clinging to “truth” can sometimes keep you stuck. Instead, by adopting beliefs that are useful—even temporarily—you open yourself to action, growth, and creativity.

At its heart, the book asks: *What story are you telling yourself, and is it helping or hurting?* That’s not just a question for your bookshelf. It’s one for your life.

12/10/2024