Tag: quote

Better Than False Ideas…

A Wondering WandererLeave a comment

The above quote has perhaps never been more relevant than today. In the age of continuous media propaganda, where it’s difficult to make sense of what is true and what isn’t, it would do us good to remember this. We should think twice before blindly believing whatever bullshit we are fed.

The thing with having false notions about our environment is that it biases us against the truth. Once we think we know something, when information to the contrary presents itself, we try to distort that information to fit in with our preconceived views. This leads to more confusion and moves us further away from the truth.

It also leads to frustration and animosity, because we are continuously faced with opposing views that require efforts to accommodate to our world-view, and sometimes, because of such a continuous onslaught, we might get a feeling of antagonism from those around us, when they actually may only be trying to tell us the truth.

That’s why I think it’s important that not only do we do our best not to get seduced by wrong beliefs, but also that we remember that no matter what we believe, there’s always a possibility that it may not be the most accurate picture of the truth, and a better explanation of the facts could still be out there.

It is always better to have no ideas than false ones; to believe nothing, than to believe what is wrong.

– Thomas Jefferson

 

Serenity, Courage, Wisdom

A Wondering WandererLeave a comment

Now this is a kind of prayer I can get behind! I find this quote a good reminder that, sometimes, acceptance is the only way. There’s only so much time that our short existence on this planet allows us, and sometimes, it’s not worth fighting the things that we can not change – it’s simply better to devote that time to more fruitful and fulfilling activities – like writing, or reading my blog 😉

There’s not much that one can do about those indulging in office politics, neighbourhood gossip, social media trolling, etc. The more you engage with them, the more they spew their filth.

But that doesn’t mean that we give up on everything, entirely. The trick is to pick and choose our battles wisely. There’s so much to do in this world, so much that we can achieve. But that can happen only when we channel our time and efforts in the right direction.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

– Reinhold Niebuhr