It seems like we have developed a particular inclination to filter selfishly, not by choice but by natural design as human beings.
In the past, it was in our best interests to have a primary focus on our survival.
Although mental filters are great for reducing cognitive load, they come at a price.
How do we distinguish signal (valuable information) from useless noise in a world where we are continuously bombarded with stimuli?
And how do we begin to define what is ‘valuable’ when that value is derived from societal norms and artificial conditioning in the first place?
Take the concept of truth, for example; how can we begin to distinguish fact from fiction when the two seem equally possible or unlikely?
Some view the freedom fighter as a terrorist and vice versa.
We can only assess our position on a subject if we see underlying motives and understand the stories and viewpoints from every party involved.
We are programmed to ask ourselves this central question: What is in it for me? What will I gain from doing this?
We are constantly chasing golden nuggets, thinking this propels us into the next phase of our life.
Climbing yet another stair of the infinite social-economic ladder, never reaching the top.
A lifelong Fata Morgana, the illusion of reaching the top and being eternally happy, only to be disappointed near the end of our lives.
And why is there such an enormous taboo on collective accountability? Why is it that we cannot discuss or judge those who enabled others to commit unspeakable atrocities against humanity?
Why can’t we openly discuss this? Shouldn’t we learn from our most detrimental mistakes? Shouldn’t we be vigilant and questioning?
Why should we blindly follow orders and fall for false narratives that lead to polarization and exclusion?
Social dogmas, emotions, or labels often cloud our judgments of other human beings and situations.
How do we arrive at our thoughts and conclusions? What truly drives our everyday actions?
Who or what implemented the seeds in our minds?
Are our opinions and conclusions based on considerable contemplation, intuition, and facts, or are they the views and ‘facts’ of others fed to us with false reasoning, arguments, and fabricated emotions?
People call you a crazy conspiracy preacher if you ask intelligent questions and think about the possibility of an ulterior motive.
Because they cannot comprehend what you see, they demonize you.
Some people have been trained to neutralize anything that threatens their version of reality.
Protecting those who distort the truth while also protecting their own cognitive bias. The perfect crime.
Can we mistake planted thoughts for our own?
Could it be that our anger, from our deepest core, is resentment against those who misled us? Are we going after the wrong target?
Make up your own mind, at least try to make sure they are your thoughts and not those of the collective. We don’t need any more followers.