RubySoho
Winston
New home
May 15th 2007 20:13
So, here I am in a comfy new location. My previous blog was my attempt to think "out loud", to force myself to clearly work out some of my ideas on various issues. I am a logical person by nature, and I like trying to break down ideas in ways that make sense.
It's important to make sense. That sounds like a pretty simple, and probably simplistic, comment. It's amazing, therefore, how much erroneous information we take at face value simply because it sounds right, or because our families and friends believe it, or because the news said so. Thinking things through is oftentimes a lot of work and, with our busy lives and hectic schedules, it's usually easier and more practical to simply accept the ideas we're familiar with and get back to focusing on work, family, bills, etc. Mental shortcuts get us through our days.
There's nothing inherently wrong with this. If we didn't take at least some information at face value, we'd either end up thinking through every aspect of every piece of information instead of accomplishing anything, or we'd end up dead (by the time you'd satisfactorily tested the pros/cons of swallowing bleach, it would be too late to appreciate the answer). The problem comes in when important issues such as politics, religion, or social behaviors are decided on by way of "gut feelings", upbringing, popular opinion, bad information, or even worse, not thought about at all. These topics are simply too pervasive and significant not to be considered to each individual's fullest ability.
Our species is defined by our ability to think. To paraphrase Spencer Tracy in Inherit the Wind, the cheetah is swifter, the bear more powerful, the gazelle more graceful. Even the butterfly is more beautiful. Mankind is not the pinnacle of evolution by any means. Were it not for our minds, we would still be languishing in caves or in trees, eeking out what sustenance we could during the day and cowering in the fearful darkness of the night. We can do no greater disservice to ourselves than to fail to use our minds as best as we can in all endeavors. To seek the truth, to honestly and ethically strive to better ourselves through education, and to continue to question that which we do not understand....these things are the most noble pursuits to which humanity can aspire. Every instance of unquestioned ignorance, however trivial, is a failure. Every moment of discovery and wonder, regardless of how minute, is a magnificent triumph.
Thoughtzone.net is just me trying to poke at some of these "big issues" and look into them as best as I can. Sometimes, maybe, people will read this and learn something. Just as often, hopefully, people will comment and force me to rethink my position or teach me something new. All that matters is that we're tapping into that wonderful ball of grey matter in our heads.
It's important to make sense. That sounds like a pretty simple, and probably simplistic, comment. It's amazing, therefore, how much erroneous information we take at face value simply because it sounds right, or because our families and friends believe it, or because the news said so. Thinking things through is oftentimes a lot of work and, with our busy lives and hectic schedules, it's usually easier and more practical to simply accept the ideas we're familiar with and get back to focusing on work, family, bills, etc. Mental shortcuts get us through our days.
There's nothing inherently wrong with this. If we didn't take at least some information at face value, we'd either end up thinking through every aspect of every piece of information instead of accomplishing anything, or we'd end up dead (by the time you'd satisfactorily tested the pros/cons of swallowing bleach, it would be too late to appreciate the answer). The problem comes in when important issues such as politics, religion, or social behaviors are decided on by way of "gut feelings", upbringing, popular opinion, bad information, or even worse, not thought about at all. These topics are simply too pervasive and significant not to be considered to each individual's fullest ability.
Our species is defined by our ability to think. To paraphrase Spencer Tracy in Inherit the Wind, the cheetah is swifter, the bear more powerful, the gazelle more graceful. Even the butterfly is more beautiful. Mankind is not the pinnacle of evolution by any means. Were it not for our minds, we would still be languishing in caves or in trees, eeking out what sustenance we could during the day and cowering in the fearful darkness of the night. We can do no greater disservice to ourselves than to fail to use our minds as best as we can in all endeavors. To seek the truth, to honestly and ethically strive to better ourselves through education, and to continue to question that which we do not understand....these things are the most noble pursuits to which humanity can aspire. Every instance of unquestioned ignorance, however trivial, is a failure. Every moment of discovery and wonder, regardless of how minute, is a magnificent triumph.
Thoughtzone.net is just me trying to poke at some of these "big issues" and look into them as best as I can. Sometimes, maybe, people will read this and learn something. Just as often, hopefully, people will comment and force me to rethink my position or teach me something new. All that matters is that we're tapping into that wonderful ball of grey matter in our heads.
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Comment by Wendi
Like the new blog title and image, too.
I also really like the way you express yourself, and your gift for digging into the down and dirty of overlooked issues.
Am email subscribing now, but that (obviously) is no guarantee, so I'll check back often for updates.
You always provide a good read 'n' think session.
W
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
I always love to get your feedback. Hope to see you around often!