Parents can be a great source of learning. Is there any notable advice you have received from your parents over the years?
Share why if you wish.
Category: Wisdom
Is More Knowledge Always Better?
Gaining knowledge is what has helped us succeed as a species. Are there circumstances, though, where ignorance is preferred?
Across the planet, different species fit a particular environmental niche. The native plants or animals tend to be adapted for the environment, to stay warm in cold temperatures, or have long necks to reach the tall trees, and so on.
Humans are, on paper, a middling species, at best. We’re not the strongest, or the fastest. By almost every measure, there is some other type of life form that is better.
One of the few exceptions has to do with gaining and retaining knowledge. We puzzle out why things work the way they do. That has led to a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the world and how it works.
And once we learn something, we share it with others. We write it down, or speak it aloud as much and as far as we can. That combination, figuring stuff out and then telling everyone about it, has allowed our species to spread across the globe and thrive like few other animal species have.
Is knowledge, though, always a good thing? Once learned, it is not possible to unlearn something. Are there instances where knowing something is objectively, or subjectively, a bad thing?
For example, would we be better off not knowing how to make atomic weapons that could destroy the world several times over? On a more personal level, does it serve any benefit to learn that your co-worker makes significantly more money than you do? Or that your partner cheated on you years ago?
Can you think of things, from your own life or your imagination, where you have regretted learning something? Is more knowledge always a good thing?
Related questions: Does knowledge have inherent value? What can you learn from loss? Is faster better?
What Makes For A Satisfied Mind?
To live well, some philosophies say, you should try to cultivate a satisfied mind. What does that mean, and how might you accomplish it?
There are many reasons why you mind might not be satisfied.
On a personal level, you might want more: more money, more status, more stuff. Ambition can be a good motivator, but it doesn’t produce satisfaction.
You might also look at the world and want more justice. You might see the flaws in our society, or empathize with plight of others that are suffering. That might lead you to attempt to seek positive change. That’s a good thing — but “satisfied” is not the word you would use to describe that.
There are also a host of issues to be worried about, from civil unrest, to artificial intelligence, to climate change, to income inequality, and on and on. Yet another reason why you might not have a satisfied mind.
So what can you do? How might you quell your fears, curb your wants and desires? To calm your thoughts, and bring about a state of being that is less anxiety ridden, and therefore more healthy? And lastly, is there a concern that cultivating a satisfied mind might dissociate you from others?
Related questions: What do you think about when your mind is not preoccupied? How do you find peace when you need it? What do you do to clear your mind? Are we too busy?
What Are You Glad You’ve Done But Don’t Need To Do Again?
Some things are worth the experience — once. Are there things you have done once, are glad you did it, but won’t do a second time?
Share why if you wish.
Do You Follow The Golden Rule?
The Golden Rule — treat others as you wish to be treated — is a sentiment common in cultures and religions across the world. Do you follow it?
The idea is a simple one, easily stated, and easily understood. And yet, it can be very difficult to practice.
There are many reasons why you might not follow the Golden Rule. They might vary from self-interest, fear, or even kindness.
For instance, you might well think that you want someone to come to your aid if you are in trouble. However, fear might prevent you from helping someone else in a dangerous situation.
In another situation, you might tell a small lie to spare the feelings of someone you love, even if you think you would want the truth in return.
Related: Listen to an episode of the Intellectual Roundtable Podcast, where Lee and Michael discuss this question: ‘What are our responsibilities to others?’ We also discuss another question as well, ‘Are we too busy?’
In our state and national politics, we see the Golden Rule violated frequently. One elected official, for example, may vote against offering aid to another state in a disaster, and yet accepts the helping hand when the disaster befalls them. No doubt you can think of numerous other examples.
There are endless opportunities to treat others the way you wish to be treated. In fact, just about every interaction with someone else is such a chance. It might be face-to-face, online, or from hundreds or thousands of miles away. It might include actions, speech, or even thoughts about someone else.
Can you think of notable examples where you followed the Golden Rule? Are there times when you didn’t?
Related questions: How do you serve others? What expectations do you have of others? How do other people motivate you? Why does social media often bring out the worst in us? Why do we hate?