I enjoy books which make a case for "everything you've been told is wrong." That's probably a big part of why I like Gladwell and Dr. Sax, as well as things like the evolution/Creation dispute. I also enjoy hearing about what other people believe about stuff. The idea is that exposure to the other side will help me get a better picture of truth. But, to be honest, sometimes it's scary. We get The Week, and seeing both sides of a current argument can be pretty disquieting. It's much easier to pick a side and parrot the catch phrases of "the party line."
Allow me to start over: I enjoy books which make a case that "everything you've been told is wrong" about something I'm not particularly fond of. The possibility that an idea I've accepted my whole life is wrong often terrifies me. "What if this person presents proof I'm wrong about ______?"
When such fear grips me, I don't want to learn. I don't want to know. 'Ignorance is bliss,' my mind reminds me.
But no. Truth is powerful. Truth is beautiful, even if messy. Ignoring information--while easier--isn't a better place to be. It may be where you need to be today. But don't let fear stop you from learning. Other priorities? Absolutely. Don't have time for this right now? Not a problem. But fear? Please, don't let that stop you.
I bumped into a couple really good (and challenging) Other Posts of Note today. If you have time, I'd encourage you to take a look-see.
But, again, if you have other priorities, please, don't feel pressure! I'm talking about fear in this post, not responsibilities and the constraints of time.
~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Empty Nester
