Copyright 2017 Don Ray
Since time immemorial tribes, political parties, and religions (three labels for essentially the same entity) coalesce around the tallest or best looking or most persuasive leader, at which point that subset of the human species finds itself running down yet another logically indefensible path of beliefs.
This human characteristic used to be amusingly quaint when technology limited the damage to the non-believers within reach of a club or range of an atlatl. But with the advent of ballistic missiles, cable television, and digital media (mentioned in increasing order of potential negative impact) our species’ proclivity to swallow even the most flagrantly false beliefs and opinions begins to pose an existential threat to nations, society, and civilization.
Gratuitous deceit has become the stock in trade of some powerful media chieftains and their political chattel. This statement, unlike the rabid rantings of their vituperous talking heads, is easily verifiable.
What becomes of this pandemic of delusional beliefs depends, in some poignant irony, on our beliefs. Do we believe in critical thinking, in open-mindedness, in restrained judgement pending verifiable facts - whether the facts do or do not suit our preferences? These are beliefs worthy of proselytizing. From these beliefs we can construct opinions, as opposed to fabricating opinions. These beliefs nurture sanity and connection to reality, two commodities in precariously short supply.
Critical thinking, open-mindedness, and restrained judgement pending verifiable facts were once considered endemic in modern, educated, technologically advanced society. But even endemic species become endangered.
Believe in these pillars of a sane society, practice your beliefs, and for the sake of our nation and children, try to spread your beliefs.
You better believe it, this is critically important.
No comments:
Post a Comment