We are bombarded with information. It comes at us from all-day radio and TV news programs, daily newspapers, emails, podcasts, blogs, and, of course, that ever-expanding external brain, the Internet. The problem is that many of us believe everything we read and hear. Why is that a problem? Because most information is biased and much of it masks a selfish motive. Today, as never before, we need the courage to evaluate what's coming at us and to develop our own interpretation. If we don't do that, we risk falling into the trap of hearsay. And that will keep us from developing an outlook on the world that is right for us.
We read the world wrong and say that it deceives us.
- Rabindranath Tagore
The most erroneous stories are those we think we know best
- and therefore never scrutinize or question.
- Jay Gould
Bruno's commentary
We should always ask ourselves, "Who will benefit from this?" You're having dinner out with some friends and the waiter suggests a special wine. Is it any coincidence that it's from the most expensive bottle on the list? Somebody wants you to invest, promising higher returns than anyone else in the finance industry. If the person is that good, he shouldn't need your money. "Lose 30 pounds in 30 days" sounds good, but it only serves to add weight to someone else's bank account. I like a statement made by Stanislaus of Poland in the 18th century: "To believe with certainty we must begin with doubting."
When somebody is trying to convince you of something, ask a few questions.
1 comment:
I really like your blog.
I found it through a facebook group that I was invited to.
I put a link to your blog on my most recent post. (If you don't want it on there, I will take it down. Also, if you want it to be a permnament link, i can do that.)
ontologicalthinker.blogspot.com
I did want to suggest putting up the Prayer to St. Francis of Assisi. (I believe I spelled that correctly)
Good luck, best wishes, God bless.
Post a Comment