We base our lives - even entire societies - on assumptions that often turn out to be wrong. So what do we believe now that the future will reveal to be false?
One of the best things about travelling to far-away places is that it puts one in different "water", and because it's different, one notices it, which hopefully enables an examination of the familiar water called 'normal'. Living for a year in a small town in Jordan with a very poor family certainly was eye-opening, and the experience has definitely influenced my levels of certainty. Dabbling in Buddhism over the years has helped, and living long enough to find out just how OFTEN I've been wrong, tempers (somewhat) my penchant for black and white thinking. I enjoyed reading this very much, got my mind going to places it hadn't been in a while.
Thank you Craig for this very honest piece. I was also that child and it takes a long time, and physical distance, for the ramifications of all those experiences to subside. I think there is much to be said for getting older and wiser! As you remind us, It’s so crucial that we remain curious, both about ourselves and also the wider world.
Once again, so well said. But maybe give yourself some grace and some credit. Your writing speaks to who I imagine you are as a person. I think you to be open minded and introspective and always striving for self improvement, and isn’t all of that really the battle of self and of self awareness?
Also, the wrongness and the troubles in our world, to me, seem to be centered squarely around the certainty people have about organized religion. And the belief that theirs is the only right one. When in reality, maybe (probably?) they’re ALL wrong.
One of the best things about travelling to far-away places is that it puts one in different "water", and because it's different, one notices it, which hopefully enables an examination of the familiar water called 'normal'. Living for a year in a small town in Jordan with a very poor family certainly was eye-opening, and the experience has definitely influenced my levels of certainty. Dabbling in Buddhism over the years has helped, and living long enough to find out just how OFTEN I've been wrong, tempers (somewhat) my penchant for black and white thinking. I enjoyed reading this very much, got my mind going to places it hadn't been in a while.
Thanks Carolyn.
All that is exactly right - opening ourselves up to different perspectives and experiences is so enlightening.
Thank you Craig for this very honest piece. I was also that child and it takes a long time, and physical distance, for the ramifications of all those experiences to subside. I think there is much to be said for getting older and wiser! As you remind us, It’s so crucial that we remain curious, both about ourselves and also the wider world.
Thanks Sue.
Sorry for being late to this.
But - as ever - you are right.
Trying to learn constantly!
Thank you Craig.
Craig,
Once again, so well said. But maybe give yourself some grace and some credit. Your writing speaks to who I imagine you are as a person. I think you to be open minded and introspective and always striving for self improvement, and isn’t all of that really the battle of self and of self awareness?
Also, the wrongness and the troubles in our world, to me, seem to be centered squarely around the certainty people have about organized religion. And the belief that theirs is the only right one. When in reality, maybe (probably?) they’re ALL wrong.
Michelle
Thank you, Michelle. Great points - and always encouraging!