Yes, our society has been “raised” on reading as a source of information, which is great, of course, and recommended within proper context.

However, as you indicated, looking inward is our best way to truly find answers, even if that inward look is just to ask ourselves whether or not we should believe something that we’ve read, or something that we have heard or seen.

The “current situation” phrase that you used is SO important! Our lives change very rapidly, and what might apply during one period of our lives may not apply later, and vice-versa.

Truly quality information is good to put up on a bookshelf somewhere to be perused again later. You never know when something might apply to your life that didn’t apply the first time you read it.

Blessings,
Andrea

I always think not every principle or rule applies to everyone. Even though the saying is true, it may not apply to me or it may not apply to my current situation. I like to read, but I’ll always pick what I really believe in or what can really apply to me. By reading those which cannot apply doesn’t harm too, coz from there, I know why it can’t be applied to myself, hence I get to know myself better.

That’s a good distinction – negativity vs. naivity. The middle ground is definitely more appealing!

I’m quite happy that you found my blog again, too! It’s been awhile, and it’s great to see you around these parts.

I’ll swing by and check out your new site as soon as I have some time to read through and check it all out.

I’ll only add that the 2nd position feels worse to me than the 1st. The 2nd is 100% negative, while the other is more naïve and not necessarily negative.

I’m quite happy to have found your blog again after a long time away.

babygirl

You are so right, and thanks for pointing out those 2 differing ends of the spectrum. The middle ground is definitely the place where the magic happens!

Thanks for the reminder. We all have to remember to think critically about what we read, hear and see in action. There are 2 traps:
1) Not thinking critically and believing everything
2) Thinking cynically and never believing anything

Most of us tend one way or the other. The most healthy and productive position is somewhere in the middle.

Thanks

Tom

That is very true. The idea of not believing everything that you read is hardly a new one, but since being an “author” is so easy on the ‘net, it bears repeating in this environment that each of us should draw our own conclusions at all times!

What an excellent addition to the conversation your comment was – thanks!

I love what you said about things that you feed your brain being along the same lines as “you are what you eat” when it comes to the physical body. That is a very true statement, and thanks for sharing that easy to remember analogy.

It is doubly important that we teach this lesson to our children. With the information overload they are facing, it will become even more difficult to sort out the wheat from the chaff. Effectively filtering out the garbage will make them less likely to become victims of self-styled “gurus”.

@viv
I think it is just as important to filter ideas from “authoritative” sources as it is from those that are less well respected. People in positions of power and authority aren’t right simply because of their positions. Highly reputable scientists publish papers all the time the are refuted years later by new “authorities” with new information. Medical journals publish an article today that says wine is harmful, and tomorrow they publish the exact opposite. On top of that, “authorities” often have agendas, and will use their position to further their own world view. Assuming someone is more likely correct because they are viewed as an authority can be as serious a mistake as assuming something is correct because it was on the intarwebs.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and you are making exactly that point that I’m talking about here. Just because something is written down doesn’t mean that it’s “the gospel”. Even texts from well-known organizations are open to errors and different interpretations.

The idea is to read things and then decide for yourself if those things ring true for you.