It is great to think. This is one of the great gifts of being a human being, being alive. But, like so many qualities, to perfect the art of introspection isn’t easy. The mind, thought if you will, like any aptitude, must be educated. An untrained consciousness (1) easily runs amok.
We see this in children. They screech and demand with no discernible control. They are not self-regulating and respond to the hierarchy of dominance (2) — the biggest bully seizing power. Adolescents, therefore, need to be coached and their behavior regulated. This is the most primitive goal of all school systems—to discipline and socialize.
At first, we learn through repetition to follow certain patterns and modify our actions. This is mostly self-taught. The ones that learn well attain the necessary scores to proceed. Those with behavioral problems or the perceived malingers are ostracized and fall behind.
By the time you are in grade one or two, you can easily place yourself in the ranking of the class or school. Success in class is rewarded with stars and treats and public praise from your teacher and peers.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of our musings. We are not taught from an early age to control our intentions, to meditate and ponder. Normally, it is only when we fully gain wakefulness at 20 or so that this process can begin. For those who want to contemplate the world, this is perhaps not such a bad thing. Beforehand, we can nurture our stockpile of imaginative aspirations. (3) These will assist us as we begin the process of maturing our lives.
It is here that a divide comes to exist in humanity between those who recognize a negative thought and learn to control it, and those who are not interested in this process of self-analysis, the righteous evaluation of moral intentions. (4) They refuse to believe that they are capable of evil deeds.
Images of malfeasance swirl around all of us. The Internet is overburdened with the malevolent. The difference is that some can analyze the moral and legal consequences of society’s actions and some not. When we experience wickedness, we should be able to decide what is the best course of action. Our free will is everything.
Aggression and war are thus the ultimate consequences of this lack of reasoning. Going forward as a global civilization, we must encourage all people to realize that it is a beguiling world and a wonderful life, but we must critically evaluate what kind of world we want our children and grandchildren to inherit. Violence can only be expunged when we think about the purpose of life and its beauty.
Jiddu Krishnamurti (5) leaves us with a thought: If we know how to look at violence, not only outwardly in society – the wars, riots, national antagonisms, and class conflicts – but also in ourselves, perhaps we shall be able to go beyond it
A closing thought: Like any exercise, the process of thinking must be practiced. We are each individual and can never change the other. It is only when we act in a positive and loving way that our intimates and colleagues will respond accordingly.
To sum up: This week we spoke about thinking and the great joy it brings us.
To be noted: From Oscar Wilde (6) — Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught. The public is wonderfully tolerant. It forgives everything except genius.
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZLfasMPOU4&ab_channel=FountainsOfW
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKDI2rxQ-fA&t=1202s&ab_channel=MarkFeltonProductions
This week, on your introspective walk, please ponder how self-analysis assists your life.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: Think and be free!
Footnotes:
2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominance_hierarchy
3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l-7oF5nzco&t=35s&ab_channel=InspirationJourney
5) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_aQIUakcsY&ab_channel=KrishnamurtiFoun
6) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njSSCBjnsbU&t=7s&ab_channel=Biographics