Have you ever observed how many times we voice views and opinions on subjects or people we really know very little about? Often our information is second hand (we read or heard it elsewhere) and we make assumptions based on our own believes and concepts.
The next thing you know you are defending what you have heard with great passion. And while your opinion at that moment is not actually based on something you have observed yourself, you end up identifying so strongly with what you have heard that you defend it with all you have got. You may even end up arguing with anyone daring enough to challenge it.
And this is the point where a bit of Socrates wisdom provides an inspiring alternative:
.....after the Oracle had answered there is "non wiser than Socrates", Socrates was surprised and thought this was a riddle. He went off to speak to all the clever men in Athens and questioned them on a variety of subjects. After spending days and weeks doing so, he finally realised that they indeed knew very little. Contemplating his findings he came to the conclusion that he was wise only in so far as he was AWARE, that in essence he knew nothing. He impressed his listeners by openly stating "I don't know".
Try it and experience the relief you feel when you can just relax and listen without feeling the need to provide an answer. Celebrate not knowing while enjoying finding out!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
One of my favourite quotes
"Freedom will not come to you by knocking at the door to love and waiting for someone else to open it. Freedom comes when you open the door. In fact there is really no locked door. Your mind and your qualities are independent of the actions of others" - Manuel Schoch from the book "Healing with Qualites". http://www.tune-in.ch/en
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