Blog 286 – 05.03.2016

Exactly how does one go about the seeming monumental task (pun intended) of provoking others to think deeper and more profound thoughts? I believe the true aim of a formal education should be similar to what I think is the highest aim of parents regarding their children to equip them to stand on their own and think for themselves. One of the great losses I think in today’s educational emphasis on technical training and away from the classical liberal arts education is the lack of deeper studies in literature, language, philosophy, rhetoric, debate, and critical thinking.

I just remarked to a friend this morning how disappointing it is that so many people seem so susceptible to manipulation by sales, political, and religious hucksters. It is as if few really care about history, the facts, or what words really mean any more. Saddest of all to me is that most of us seem content to allow others to do our thinking for us and to what lengths we will go to avoid exposing ourselves to opposing opinions. The glorified beauty contest we call the political process in this country is sadly never much on content but consists mostly of childish name calling and braggadocio: “My dog’s better than your dog, my wife or husband prettier or smarter, and my kids cuter or more well mannered.” As if any of those things counted as qualifications to the highest office in the land.

Those of you who have read more than one or two of my blogs probably have read a Bible verse or ten quoted in them. It is not because I believe the Bible to be more holy or even more error free than any other book but simply because I know it as I know the song lyrics of a thousand love songs or the plot and dialogue from ten thousand books, movies, plays, and poems. For many years one could not be said to have a liberal arts education without a knowledge of the Bible. Much of the King James Version of the Bible reads like Shakespeare and much of English Literature is inspired or at least informed by the Bible. Many younger people are not even aware how much its words are a part of Western Culture and thinking patterns. I quote those words because I know them. They are the pictures I was taught to envision the world around me with. Verses and passages are always coming to mind that help illuminate my thoughts.

I said all that to preface what I think is a good rule of thumb to evaluate most anyone’s words and behavior. It is a simple question from the Bible and it’s equally simple three part answer. One more qualifying remark before the quote. I believe the word LORD can work for most everyone’s religious, spiritual, or philosophical understanding. I like the term Universe, but others equally come to mind:
Jehovah, Allah, the Great Father, Your Higher Self (Even you can believe in God if it’s you,  my Atheist friends) or their prophets, priests, and representatives i.e. Moses, Jesus, Mohamed, Buddha, Joseph Smith, Billy Graham, Carl Sagan the list is inexhaustible because it would include practically everyone. Did you know that you can become an ordained minister for a fee on line and actually officiate at weddings?

Here is the quote, a litmus test for thinking minds to evaluate proper words, attitudes, and behavior. “What does the LORD require of you but to love mercy, to do justice, and to walk humbly.” How well we as a society including our political leaders do those three things tells the tale of whether we deserve to prosper or thrive. I have heard ad nausem the verse quoted by preachers and Christians that this nation will only prosper when, “My people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray. Then will I hear from heaven and heal their land.” I believe true prayer is making a request of the Universe not only certain that your request is heard but that the Universe will move heaven and earth to manifest your request. Let me add that I do believe our thoughts, our prayers become things but thoughts must become words and words must incite not just the Universe but us into action. Faith without actions is dead. There goes that Bible again.

Let me quote something a little more contemporary. How about The Rolling Stones? Some years back lead singer, Mick Jagger sang: “You can’t always get what you want. No, you can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometime you just may find you get what you need.”

I think that is pretty thought provoking, Mick.

Your friend and fellow traveler,
David White