Tag Archives: believe

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Understanding

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When used as an adjective the term understanding refers to the ability or practice of being sympathetically aware of other people’s feelings and using that sympathy to be tolerant and forgiving.

As a noun, the word is broadly about comprehension.  Being understanding of others does require comprehension of their situation so the adjective usage is consistent.

Empathy and Understanding

The practice of understanding is key to being empathetic.  To share how others are feeling and be sympathetic to it, we need to be able to have an understanding of what they are feeling.

Using empathy is key to being able to engage and interact with other people in the most effective way.  The key to practicing empathy is not to lose sight of the fact that while it is all about you, being understanding of others actually helps you.

For most of us, living as a hermit is not enjoyable.  We need to enjoy interacting with others and being empathetic will help you to do that.

So treating others with understanding is required even for self centred people.    It might be all about you but without positive interactions others you probably won’t be happy.

Not Charity

What I am suggesting is basic respect for others. This is not being charitable by assisting those in need or acting favourably toward them.

Understanding others is a bi-directional practice.  Your understanding coupled with their understanding leads to healthy and happy relationships.  These are enjoyable and after all is that not what we seek.

 

 

 

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Belief

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We all belief in things.  That is the acceptance of the truth, existence or confidence in someone or something.  This can include things for which the physical or literal existence cannot be validated.

You cannot see, touch or talk to god (two way talking) yet this is a belief many hold as absolute.  The belief can be so strong it drives behaviour.

In some cases, this behaviour might not conform with social norms, for example the suicide bomber who shouts “God is great” before obliterating both themselves and those around them.

Devoid of Belief

While skepticism is a true and demonstrated behaviour, that is a suspension of belief, on the whole individuals are not able to live their lives without some core beliefs.

Philosophically the need for belief could be  illustrated through a bastardization of Descartes famous “I think, therefore I am”.  Something like “ I do not believe, therefore I am not”.

An exaggeration certainly, with a foundation of truth.  Life without belief, at least in something or arguably even a belief in nothing (the giant void) is a belief.

Understanding and Accepting your Beliefs

Self contentment requires a recognition that you believe in something  even if that belief is nothing.  Nothing does exist and has a physical representation, a numeric  “0”or alpha null, so you can believe in it.  (I believe in the power of null)

Belief drives behaviour, comfortable behaviour is peaceful and requires an understanding of your personal beliefs in order to attain this state.

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Believe

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Ninteenth century German author and statesman Johann Goethe said “Man is made by his belief.  As he believes, so he is “.   That is, the things you have trust, faith and confidence in define who you are.

This implies people without beliefs are undefined.  Further if you know what someone believes you can predict how they will behave.  You can anticipate their responses.

To a large degree my own interactions with others prove this to be true.  The caveat is assuming you can accurately assess others beliefs.

Purposeful misdirection is a very real technique people can employ to gain advantage.  For example, one  might protray a strong belief in justice while in practice behaving soley in favour of their own personal gain, regardless of fairness.

Followers

Often followers fall into the group of those with undefined beliefs.  In these cases what appear to be their own beliefs are in fact those of another they are copying.

It is often hard to distinguish followers from true believers but this group is a favorite of unscrupulous leaders.  The follower can be manipulated into professing the leaders beliefs, thus supporting a cause that defines not themselves, but rather the leader.

Reason to Believe

If nothing else motivates you, the critical reason to believe (in something) and acknowledge that belief internally is because your beliefs will define you.   To ensure personal accountability and ownership of your life you must believe.