The legacy of humanity as a whole
and individuals specifically is that of their actions, not their intent or what
actions they refrained from. However one’s actions do not exist solely without
provocation of circumstance, they are triggered by certain stimuli and are the
resultant of multiple factors. Plato asserted that the highest form of thinking
was that of philosophy, the discussion and contemplation of the various
esoteric aspects of reality. This proposition is based on the assumption that
one’s thoughts lead to one’s actions. Thus humanities’ legacy is based on its thoughts
or its belief system. This is what interests me, what and why people believe a
certain way. Far too often individuals don’t understand why they believe the
way they do. Too many beliefs are gained from others with no thought as to why
the original owner of the belief thought it and as George Orwell said “if [one]
cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them”[1].
People’s beliefs are influenced by
those they respect as a natural by-product of voluntary association. We succumb
to not only “peer” pressure but to pressure due to society in which we are exist.
It is this society that installs one’s moral code and their conduct. Yet
individuals respond differently to similar societal influence. By analyzing how
individuals act and why they act one can determine if it is these slight differences
in society causes the massive difference between saints and demons or if it is
due to the inherent character of the individual. Therefore, questioning the
beliefs of others allows one to glimpse the very nature of humanity and whether
one is doomed to eternal incompetency. This is why I intend to both informally
and formally continue in my examination of the origin of others actions. In
essence I intend to follow the Socratic Method of asking why to every response
I receive. Debate has helped me in developing the instinct to ask the questions
that can be most productive; however I have been stymied in examining the
psychology of individuals, an inherent part of determining the origin of
thoughts. This is what I hope to gain, an understanding of the
electrical processes behind mankind’s inclinations.
Being born and raised in Utah has
been both a boon and a detriment to me. It has been a boon in instilling the
highest code of ethical behavior, however it has been a detriment in strongly
encouraging me to reject all “lower” forms of behavior. I have found that often
one’s beliefs are rooted in tradition and parents without any consideration for
the merit of the idea independent of external influence. Questioning others
beliefs has not only helped me to clarify my own, I hope that it has forced
others to defend their ideas. Our legacy will be our actions, which will be
determined by our beliefs; it is wise that our beliefs be based in independent
merit and are subjected to scrutiny.
No comments:
Post a Comment