47d, Posted for: Whole Community
On Assumptions by Scott O. Shaffer
Posted by: Scott Shaffer
{"ops":[{"insert":"The video was a powerful reminder of how important it is that I practice consistently identifying and questioning my assumptions. The \"primary\" or often \"starting-point\" ideas can lead to vastly different outcomes. I want outcomes in my life to be as happy as possible so I had better improve my ability to think through my assumptions so that I can behave in ways that can maximize the chances of happy outcomes. Linda's strategy of being aware of inferences \"first\" and then working backwards to \"what assumption(s) led to the inference\" is a great strategy and one I will try to begin using today. \n\nThe video reinforced for me the primacy of assumptions in thinking about thinking. I \"almost can't think or move\" without making assumption(s) and it's this \"always\" characteristic of making assumptions that often (probably) makes it so hard to identify assumptions - \"I take making assumptions so for granted so it's hard to separate them in my thinking about thinking.\"\n"}]}
Posted by: William J Dowling Jr
{"ops":[{"insert":"Hello Scott,\nYou refer to a video but didn't identify any specific video. Regardless, your thoughts \"On Assumptions\" open an \"in road\" to self awareness for me and how, in a split second, I can go from information, to an assumption I'm taking for granted, to an inference/conclusion, that may or may not be, in my own best interest if I act on my inference/conclusion.\n\nI'm guessing you're referring to the video I posted but \"I wouldn't bet the house on it\" because good gamblers only bet on a sure thing. Now that I think about what makes a \"good gamblers,\" they've probably learned the hard way not to take their assumptions for granted. I wonder if FCT has a booklet on \"Critical Gambling?\" HA, HA, HA. Not so funny...\n\n\"Therefore,\" in conclusion....I'm like a novice gambler with no experience, going to Vegas every day, arrogantly deceiving myself by not recognizing and questioning my assumptions as life deals out the cards.\n\nI'll have to practice the virtue of \"intellectual humility\" by asking myself throughout the day what I know and don't know. Thank you Scott for your perceptive thoughts \"On Assumptions.\"\n"}]}