The big advantage we had as children was that we knew we didn’t know. We were fearless little explorers; laughing, running and playing. Full of imagination and curiosity about what nature and the Great Wide World would show us. Collecting a hand full of dandelions or roly-polies, the questions flowing non-stop. How high is the sky? How deep is the ocean? Where did I come from? Why, why, why?
Then after we’ve been around for a few decades, our curiosity wanes as our training, knowledge and beliefs take hold. We become too busy with our story and collecting judgements and opinions. There is little time left for imagination. What really gets us into trouble though, is that we believe we know but we really don’t. Our certitude limits our creativity, imagination and curiosity.
“To be ignorant of one’s ignorance is the malady of the ignorant.” ―Amos Bronson Alcott
Have You Ever Been Experienced
I’m speaking from experience here. I used to be a ‘know it all’. That guy in the room that likes to talk over everyone else. Thinking that his opinions are more important. The one that always starts his monologue with, “The truth is~”
I say ‘used to,’ not because I quit believing my truth is important. But now I have an awareness that it’s only an interpretation. I still want to get up on my soap box and share it. But ‘the truth is’, I don’t know shit, just like everyone else.
“There are no facts, only interpretations.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche
What’s funny is that we realize as a species we are often wrong and prone to screwing things up. And most of us don’t have a problem telling someone else how screwed up they are. Yet it is nearly impossible for us to admit it to ourselves. We are walking, talking paradoxes. Your beliefs are incredibly restricting. If you hold to a concept or idea as absolute truth, you become close-minded. Beliefs become a hinderance to clear thought and self-improvement.
I Think So
It is much better to think than to believe. Belief is an all or nothing affair, while thinking is more nimble and leaves some wiggle room, just in case you are wrong or make an error in judgement. Remember, you are human and prone to screwing things up. Thinking is open-ended and allows for skepticism, questioning and healthy curiosity. Believing on the other hand closes you off.
“In all affairs it’s a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted.” ― Bertrand Russell
When you stop questioning; your journey has come to an end – a dead end. Stagnation and dogmatism begin to rule your world. The more you question, the more you realize the only thing that makes sense is to keep questioning. Keep things in perspective by accepting that you know a lot less than you think you do.