Mind Tyranny: Whatever Happened to Common Sense?

If you are like me, you often find yourself saying, "That doesn't make any sense. I just can't understand how that conclusion was reached."

"Belief is not an idea the mind possesses, it is an idea that possesses the mind." (Robert Oxton Bolt) One of the most pressing issues to consider is, "Does  'thought' exist?" Rene Descartes proclaimed, "I think. Therefore, I am." (Cogito, ergo sum) Is it prudent to question his conclusion? Perhaps it is not only prudent, but necessary.

In discussing various aspects of mind tyranny, we should begin to evaluate ways in which to think cogently, to achieve clarity of thought, heretofore abandoned in most of society. Thinking is the cognitive activities incorporated to: (1) process information; (2) solve problems; (3) make decisions; and (4) create new ideas. We utilize thinking skills when we attempt to make sense of myriad experiences. We, at least in theory, draw upon thinking to organize information, integrate that information via connections to formulate questions. Thinking is also useful if we wish to either make plans or decide on a particular course of action.

As is universally the case, propaganda is supported more frequently by slogans than by logic or facts. "Things have different qualities, and the soul different inclinations; for nothing is simple which is presented to the soul, and the soul never presents itself simply to any object. Hence it comes that we weep and laugh at the same thing." (Blaise Pascal)

How do we locate the "mind tyrants"? Listen for the loudest and most strident voices. They frequently present the most impassioned pleas and outrageous claims. Mind tyrants are those who try to shape your thoughts and impose values. Tyranny of the mind does not come from the top down, presented as imperial commands. Mind tyrants attempt to force upon us ideologies that seek to coerce and control us.

"Only the courageous will survive tyranny. The others deserve to live in chains." (Prof. Mike Adams UNC - Chapel Hill) Sadly, most don't realize that they are living "in chains". We grow up in various enclaves, we adopt various societal practices/customs, and assume that is just the way things are and should be.

In Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye's refrain throughout is, "Tradition!" Irrespective of our recognition, it is tradition that is at the root of almost all of our thoughts, actions, and beliefs.

In future articles, we will attempt to establish a framework that enables us to move beyond this  stricture.