Lessons in Thinking for One's Self, No.4

First, Let's review...

Except in certain situations as explained in Lesson 1, our opinions carry as much weight as that of any celebrity, or politician. Never sell your own thoughts and ideas short.

In lesson 2 we learned everyone has motive for everything said or done, well intentioned or not. Therefore, everything said and done must be fully examined and evaluated to determine what, if anything, an individual has to gain or lose by your acceptance or belief.

Lesson 3 asked you to take up the fine art of listening. When determining the intent or meaning of a statement one must consider a range of aspects, or nuances. What is meant is often conveyed in how a thing is said.

Now, on to lesson 4...

In lesson 3 I introduced you to Miyamoto Musashi, and his "Book of Five Rings", the classic book of strategy. The one element he outlines that bears intensive study is to "...learn the ways of all professions." That is to say, speaking here in terms of people and organizations...

        What do they believe?
        Why do they believe such?
        How do they operate?
        Do they have a blindspot?
        Does it affect their worldview?
        Is this typical of the entire organization?
        How can this be exploited?

It is extremely important that you spend time, as the Beatles once tuned...

"Looking through the bent backed tulips
To see how the other half lives"

This can be done by perusing print, media, websites, and opinions that neither interest you, attract you, and whose ideologies differ from your own. Sometimes your studies will take you to places you find completely abhorrent, but that's not to say you should sully yourself, just make sure you have a basic understanding of it, its motives, its purpose-- if any --and its various affects on people and society.

This is what's known as being well-rounded, and by becoming such-- in some circles this is referred to as being "a Renaissance man", or woman --you become a new kind of thinker, and this gives you a distinct advantage over those who would use or abuse you. I should point out that not everyone is out to hurt you, or lie to you. Those who do have your best interests at heart can actually benefit from your studies, and intellect; with a greater pool of knowledge to draw from, pulling the wool over your eyes, and those within your sphere of influence, becomes that much harder.

More to come.

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For Previous Lessons:
Lesson No.1
Lesson No.2
Lesson No.3

See Also:
The Object is to Become a Critical Thinker