Why Passive Thinking Is At the Root of Every Privalent Bad Idea

Our minds are the only thing that separates us from birds, squirrels, insects, and bugs. Let’s keep it that way.

Passive thinking is dangerous because there is so much about the world we don’t know. Yet there is so much that is expected of us when it comes to making our way through society. We are expected to pay endless amounts of bills, plan our week, plan our weekend, negotiate salaries, pay taxes, eat healthily, workout, clean, care about others, listen to others, take of our children, walk the dog, answer emails, stay informed, vote amongst many, many more responsibilities.

We are supposed to do all of this and still make vital decisions without essential information. This scenario is ripe for passive thinking. We can’t possibly know or do everything.

Passive thinking allows others to do our thinking for us. Most of us are just trying to do what we have to do, consistently, on time, against a backdrop of demanding, competitive interests. That means that there will be sacrifices in the name of expediency and accuracy.

All the while the news media, social media, politicians, and corporations compete for eyeballs, clicks, and minds and hearts. That means catchy headlines, self-assured analysts, linguistical word-smiths who share unwavering bias opinions, trendy gingles and aesthetic visuals prevail in our society. Narratives are created and reinforced in our subconscious as we passively accept someone else’s version of the truth, tainted with personal bias and agenda.

It’s up to you to rise above passive thinking and “meet” the requirements of thinking, processing what you see and hear based on context and logical analysis.

Never marginalize your emotional reactions to what you hear, however, temper those emotions with facts and data. The truth is somewhere in the middle. What’s more important is to remember that there are rarely definitive answers to hard questions.

Not enough time?

Develop a healthy skepticism and a natural curiosity. Learn to say “I don't know” and move on.

Just as a person who doesn't work out regularly won't be able to step in a gym and lift 200lbs, you're not going to be able to spot a deceptive headline right away. However, keeping an open mind and not drawing conclusions based on limited information will keep your mind from falling into mental Kafka traps or tribalist thinking.

If someone promises you a definitive solution to a largescale problem, question it. Accuracy usually produces uncertainty.

Passive thinking is also a symptom of attempting to address issues outside your locus of control.

Passive thinking is also a symptom of attempting to address issues outside of your control. Most people scoff at the mere thought that they could be a victim of Dunning Kruger, but alas, it claims millions of victims daily. What makes you qualified enough to know if your federal government is in a position to use tax dollars to bail out a bank or redirect that money to fixing potholes?

Maybe your tribe has the answer…

Passive thinking often exists in the shadows of a more pronounced threat. This threat has been more prevalent now, more than ever, especially with the divisiveness that has enveloped our nation.

I introduce you to Tribalism. (ominous music plays in the background)

Originally published at https://quincylsb.com on June 7, 2020.