Month: July 2022

Your Gatekeeping Role

Everything we do is done because of some underlying reason. Some are innate or subconscious, and so are excluded from this blog. The rest we do based on knowledge we find truthful. We find truth and value in a system of laws so we drive below the speed limit. We believe in benevolence so we give to charity. We hear that coffee is good for us so we drink it.

Our truths compel positive action and our truths also commit us to avoidances. We think it’s impolite to tell people to shut up, so we don’t, even when they really should. We believe in self determination so we don’t tell people that their life choices are crappy and harmful. We ‘know’ certain foods are unhealthy so we limit or avoid them.

This whole truth business is pretty darn important because they (and their coincident values) are behind everything we consciously do and don’t do, which is actually definitional of who we are. So what? Well, if truths are the building blocks of the identity, how the heck are we not acting as gatekeepers to ensure the information we receive is accurate, robust, and timely? How do we not regularly audit what we use as knowledge and fact?

The DIKW image here illustrates how data is used, and the details are more extensive than what is needed for this post. Just take note that there is a process by which nuggets of data become useful, and if this process is not used, we are being idiots. This is where prejudice and stereotypes happen, or people talk nonsense at dinner parties. These immature representations support mall shootings, bombing of innocents, and all sorts of malfeasance. It’s what creates divides among people and prevents peaceful and harmonious coexistence with each other, animals, and the environment. I know, it’s kinda the root of all problems and hence a big dealeo.

And so we end with an idea. Be vigilant in what you allow in as your knowledge. No, no, this is not a yah whatever resolution. Really be vigilant because allowing in garbage to form your truths, although seemingly innocuous, dictates who you are and how you’ll act. Also note that once you form a truth, you stop looking for truth, and when you stop looking, well, you can finish that sentence yourself.

The Power of Free Will

Lots of folks talk about the influence of genetics, nurture, environment, psychological trauma, or other exogenous phenomena as being deterministic in how we act. These things are certainly persuasive and sometimes difficult to combat, but free will is a stronger power, and it’s something we all wield. The only question is what we want to do with it.

In another post I’ve mentioned how people will wake up super early for a flight to a fun destination, smile convincingly through a bad mood at a business function, or stay up to ridiculous hours when the pillow talk is mesmerizing. There are always forces that will attempt to overwhelm our decision making ability: chronic pain, massive trauma, deep insecurity, psychological panic, to name a few biggies. We can choose to laugh when all circumstances are saddening; we can choose to love during times of great loss; we can choose to hug instead of hit. This does not attempt to alter the underlying feelings or state of mind, rather it trumps internal noise with the outcome best achieved. I call this being the captain of your ship. No matter the waves, no matter the mutinous voices of the crew, you are the one in charge and must choose what is best for the vessel.

So whether you want to disregard hunger pangs to drop some weight, or need to ignore some sabotaging internal forces that are destroying a relationship, the choice is yours. It’s called free will for a reason. The captain does what’s best for the ship and will be judged by the outcome ultimately achieved. You have the power to act in any way you want, so choose wisely.