Resolutions: Invariably made too soon

Resolutions have never really been a part of my repetoire in the last 20 years or so, having come to believe that, indeed, they are made too soon and forgotten too quickly - especially so in these days of multi-tasking life lived too often at DSL speed. However, I do still believe in a moment of reflection, hence my New Years’ Resolution.

Challenge all your assumptions - or as Dr. Phil would say: “how’s that working for you?”

It seems to fill the bill.

For all the things you think you can or cannot do - challenge the assumptions you base those limitations or aspirations on. You may find exactly the opposite to be true.

For all the closely held beliefs that you inheirited from your parents, pastor, spouse, employer, neighbors, in-laws, political party, financial planner or Indian Chief - how are they working for you today? Is it time to challenge those assumptions?

I have to confess, though, this resolution isn’t new to 2009. It’s the same one that I’ve more or less held for the last 30 years or so. As the years go by, however, I refine it.

That may be one reason I am a Progressive ( not Liberal - I select my words with great care) and secular Humanist. Those creeds encourage the constant challenging and re-evaluation of one’s assumptions.

If man had simply assumed that since he wasn’t born with feathers and wings and therefore couldn’t fly, we would not have the space shuttle. Although I don’t fly the space shuttle, I’m inspired to great thoughts each time I watch it land.

If we still thought disease was a punishment for lack of faith or different belief we would still have smallpox, leprosy and polio - and wouldn’t even be close to a treatment for HIV Aids or cancer not to mention cures.

If we had held to the belief that gender or skin color determined intelligence - well, I think you get the idea.

Challenging assumptions is the only thing that has moved civilization and the human condition forward. It’s the most integral, important part of defining ourselves as rational human beings. 

Challenging assumptions has brought the light of reason, science, medicine, creative thought, art, music, literature, democratic governance to the darkest parts of human existence through the last several thousand years.

Gallileo challenged assumptions, as did Salk, Einstein, Thomas Paine, Carl Sagan, Voltaire, Mark Twain, Susan B. Anthony and many others. They all asked “why is this so?”

I’ve sort of given a pass in trying to change other peoples’ minds these days. It was hard enough to change my own mind. It took a lot of work - reading, examining, talking and listening. It’s a process that people can only do for themselves by themselves.

For those who are happy with being intellectually lazy or at least lassez faire in their approach to complex ideas, that’s fine but don’t bemoan the consequences. Don’t whine to me that life is passing you by and it’s all so hard.

As the maven&meddler, I see my role as one who throws new ideas, or todays’ ideas reframed out there for your consideration. You, at the end of the day, have to decide. I suggest you decide only after you’ve challenged some assumptions.

Life isn’t any harder today than it was a thousand years ago. It’s simply different. There is no going back so, I think, you might as well put your efforts into going foward. It is by challenging assumptions that you go foward.

Avante!

Happy 2009!