There is a segment of our population made up of individuals who are not only intimidated by greater intelligence and by science, but who would also go to great lengths to avoid such matters. This week, our president cancelled a traditional White House visit with Nobel Laureates; and he cancelled the traditional White House Science Fair. I believe this widespread disdainful rejection has come about, (at least in part), because today we are all experts. Armed with our Google, Wikipedia, news slant of one's choosing, and our Twusty Twitter, we can Twist Twuth to fit any occasion.
It seems of late that we have lost our ability to truly listen, partially because we don't have to; (moreso than any time in history, each one of us can choose who to listen to according to who agrees with "me"). However, I do not believe that this fear (of rational analysis and argument followed by an unfolding of thought), is here to stay. I have faith that we (as a Whole) will free ourselves from these quiescent constraints, and I believe even now, as the vines of vituperation spread and entangle, we continue to learn and grow. The more vines we clear away, the more rapidly we will progress. It is sad though that we must first expend the effort hacking vines.
Previously , I submitted written thought arguing for rational analysis and argument processed as follows:
- Uncertainty
- Skeptical Questioning
- Mutual Validation
- Rational Argument
- Periodic Agreement
I went on to differentiate periodic vs. consistent agreement, saying
The agreement must be periodic because this will also (periodically) create some degree of uncertainty, insecurity, and (possibly) self-consciousness, thus curtailing anger and avoiding damaging or dangerous. self-confidence. [Conversely], consistent agreement, (for example by using one's power to surround oneself with "YesMen"), results in a surplus of self-confidence, thus eliminating all steps except agreement.
And, I also defined Validation:
Equitably serious, voluntary acknowledgement and consideration followed by a mutually volitional desire for rational argument and debate. (Validation is NOT flattery, praise, compliments, acclaim, or having one's ego stroked. Validation is not agreement.)
Those who avoid such *acumenical matters as greater intelligence and science are, in truth, avoiding uncertainty. Periodic agreement as opposed to consistent agreement, perpetuates uncertainty. Validation, (as defined above), hones listening skills and demands a continuation of the cyclical process above. I am rehashing and enhancing these thoughts because it is specifically applicable to this week, and more relevant now than when they were first written in September 2016.
*According to wordnik.com, "acumenical has been looked up 1124 times, is no one's favorite word yet, is on no lists yet, has no comments yet, and is not a valid Scrabble word." My definition of Acumenical: a diversity of perspective and opinion resulting in an interdependent insight uniting and focusing thought in order to advance our universal search for Truth and Wisdom.
I believe an acumenical mindset and outlook is necessary for our Happiness.
I believe an acumenical mindset and outlook is necessary for our survival.