[blix]

For many, ideas are a part of identity. I am a good person because I support good policies and vote for good party. I am smart because I have intelligent thoughts and ideas.

When the quality of these ideas is challenged, it therefore can be a challenge to the quality of the person holding them, if they base their identity on their thoughts. I find this is quite common.

Another effect of this mindset is that changing your mind becomes more difficult. It's a hard thing to get out of.

[pbhjpbhj]

Are there people who have a [strong] sense of identity that's somehow not centred around their ideas? I'm trying to imagine what that looks like?

Maybe "it doesn't matter what I think, I'm $Nationality and that's who I am"? [But does anyone think like that? And isn't that just an idea that informs identity?]

[blix]

In earlier times, identity was mostly a function of social relationships. This seemed to be a lot more concrete than abstract concept of identity that is popular in industrial societies.

Here are some other things that might inform/create identity besides political opinions shared on twitter: race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender, occupation, consumption preferences, skills, activities, appearance.

All of these are ideas to some degree, but some are more concrete than others. But ultimately, identity itself is an idea and I don't think it can be fully separated from other constructs of the mind.

[im3w1l]

If you ask me about my identity the first thing that comes to my mind is the life I've lived. The things I got to experience, my failures, my accomplishments, the choices I made.

[duhgafdt]

It is not the great taste of the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches which you enjoy, it is the idea that 'pb&j tastes great' which informs your enjoyment of it.